Judy was preceded in passing by her husband of 54 years, Rodney Clarke Wells, also of Marshalltown, as well as her brother Jim Wallish and her son Richard Wells. She is survived by her brothers John Wallish and Joe Wallish, her sisters Jean, Jackie, June, and Jeni, and her son Gregory Wells, Sr., daughter Sharon Wells Scott, and grandchildren Gregory Wells, Jr., Brittney Wells, and Robert, Alexandra, and William Scott.

Judy was raised in Marshalltown, one of eight children of the local Wallish clan. Her three children were also born in Marshalltown. She moved to Garland, Texas with Rod and the children in 1977 when Rod's position at Lennox Corporation was relocated to Dallas, and where she lived for the succeeding 48 years. Judy worked for over 30 years at AT&T, and then Southwestern Bell, also in Dallas.

Judy's greatest joy was her family, and her life was lived with love, compassion, devotion, and thrift. She was a faithful parishioner at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marshalltown and after the family's move to Texas, St. Michael's in Garland. She was widely known for her brilliant smile, comfort-food cooking, and upbeat personality. She enjoyed playing family games, hugging her grandkids, and traveling with Rod.

Judy had a gift for navigating life's challenges and successes with grace and good humor, and she made a lasting impact on all who met her with her warmth and smile. She was thoughtful, kind, and completely unselfish and without pretense. She was the heart and soul of her family, and dearly loved by friends and neighbors – her memory will be a blessing to all who knew her.

The family is finalizing memorial arrangements, with announcements to follow.