Obituary

Judith Jean "Judy" Schultz

Much-loved mother, grandmother, cousin and friend, Judy passed away at St. Vincent Hospital in Portland, Oregon on December 27, 2019. She was 73. Judy was born on March 4, 1946 in Pendleton, Oregon to Kenneth "Tuk" and Jean Hodgen. She spent a happy childhood in Pendleton with her brothers Greg and Tom, as well as 20+ cousins and lots of extended family.

She graduated from Pendleton High School in 1964, and then went on to obtain an Associate's Degree from Blue Mountain Community College. In 1968 she married her high school sweetheart Clinton Schultz, and had many happy years together, living in Pendleton, Hermiston, Monmouth, and finally Canby, where they settled with their two daughters, Michelle and Heather. She was a full time mom for many years, something she often called "the best job I ever had".

She made fantastic doll clothes and toys, attended endless tea parties and always made time for play with her daughters. Judy was a highly skilled pianist, teaching many children over the years, and enjoyed sharing their talents at her famous piano recitals. Most ended with a boisterous duet and laughs. She worked in human resources before retraining as a successful insurance auditor for SAIF and Liberty Mutual, a job she loved for the travel around the beautiful PNW and the chance to meet and talk with new people.

While she retired early due to health issues, she continued to be busy. She always had a "project" on the go, whether it be a quilt for someone, cloth dolls to send to orphanages in Africa, or clothes for her grand-daughters' dolls. She enjoyed traveling immensely, whether it was just to hop in the car for a drive up to the mountain or beach, or to visit her daughters and grandkids in England. She was blessed to have many amazing friends and neighbors, with whom she loved to chat and encourage. She was also grateful for their help and support as her health began to fail. Judy valued family tremendously, and was determined to pass on as much knowledge of our great pioneer heritage to the rest of the family. She was the family historian and museum archivist, taking great joy in her connection to her extended family and happy memories. She missed both of her brothers, Greg and Tom, dearly--they could make her laugh like no one else (as well as make her mad like no one else).

Judy will be missed for her easy laugh, friendly spirit, and resilience. She is survived by her children, Michelle Burns and Heather Clarke, all of England. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a future date to allow people to travel at a calmer time. She will be laid to rest at Olney Cemetery in Pendleton, Oregon.