The Lord took another soul home on September 22, 2021 when He took Judith Maude Drexel.
Judy was born in Tucson, Arizona on June 22, 2943 to Richard “Bud” Drexel and Arletha “Bic” (Powell) Drexel. She grew up in Broadus, Montana. She moved with her family to Western Montana and started high school in Missoula where she played clarinet in the high school band. She graduated in 1961 going on to beauty school in Missoula. She spread her wings and moved to the state of her birth where she met her future husband, Curt. The were married in Yuma, Arizona in June of 1965. Curt was a Marine, allowing her to begin to see the world. They were stationed in North Carolina and Hawaii. Judy stayed in California with her parents while Curt served in Vietnam. During those long lonely days, Judy began her artistic career, she made an entire set of ceramic dishes. That was only the beginning. After Curt was discharged from the service, the couple settled in California and began a business making willow furniture. Judy continued the willow furniture business for years after the couple divorced.
She came home to Broadus in the early 90’s where she continued making willow furniture, volunteering with the children’s programs at the Powder River Church of Christ where she remained a member all of her life and kept active in community affairs.
Eventually she gave up the furniture business and went to a long-ago art she had learned from her grandma, Katie Powell, making woven rugs. She bought a loom and went to work making beautiful rugs that she sold at craft fairs and from a local business. She continued the art of rug making until her death.
Judy is survived by her two sisters, Janice Baier of Conroe, Texas and Janet Drexel of Wolf Creek, Montana; four nieces: Kelli Thomas of San Antonia, Texas, Taani Folis and her husband John of Montgomery, Texas, Heidi Baier of San Antonia, Texas and Mauri Baier of Conroe, Texas and several grand nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss her dearly.
No services are planned at this time. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:00 PM
Thursday July 14, 2022
Valley View Cemetery
Broadus, Montana 59317
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:00 PM
Thursday July 14, 2022
Valley View Cemetery
Broadus, Montana 59317
Share
Tom and Judy Collins says
We were very sorry to hear about Judy’s passing. Our thoughts are with the family.
Dallas and Karen Gaskill says
Our condolences to Judy’s family.
Skin and Betty Collins says
Sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. Condolences to all of Judy’s family. Before both our lives got so busy we had lots of fun making Halloween costumes and going out and winning the best costumes of the night. A very talented women. I believe she could have done anything she set her mind to do. She lived across the street and up a couple of houses from us. Loved seeing her fur babies playing out in the yard. Hope someone good is taking care of them. Rest in Peace Judy.
SALLY ANN BORLA says
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JUDY’S PASSING–I HEARD SHE WAS IN THE HOSPITAL BUT DIDN’T KNOW ANYONE TO CALL OR HOW TO FIND OUT ABOUT HER CONDITION–HAD A COUPLE NICE VISITS WITH HER WHEN CAROL PASSED AWAY AS THEY LIFE LONG FRIENDS. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE AND MY SINCERE SYMPATHY TO HER SISTERS AND ALL HER FAMILY. GOD BLESS
Don Birkholz says
It was a year ago today, September 25 th that I had learned from Judy that Ron Talcott had passed. Miss both of them.
Doug & Shirley 'Tuffy' Stewart says
Condolences Janice and Janet and families, sorry to hear about Judy.
Numerous other stories but as kids her and Tuffy tried to get into trouble in Judy borrowing cigarettes from her Grama.
Can you imagine the job the Good Lord has on his hands with Judy and my cousin Carol Lambert there together.🤗
Rest in piece ladies, you will be missed.
Pam Moths Nisley says
I did not know Judy like many did, but I always appreciated her artistic work! Praying for comfort for her loved ones !!!
Brigit Hemmer says
So sorry to hear this. We were gifted one of Judy’s beautiful rugs and I remember her every time I see it.
Ginger says
Our community certainly lost a talented soul. Judy was a good person who had lots of love to give, not to mention maybe a little guff to deserving parties. She lent a helping hand to those in need and want, especially to her beloved partner-in-crime, Carol. They’re together again; and what a blessing that is.
Peace and comfort to Judy’s many loved ones.
Mary Jo Gehnert says
We are sorry to hear of Judy’s passing- Many ,many years ago, we purchased 2 sets of the willow furniture that Judy had made. We still have both, one sits on our front porch at home- and the other one is at our cabin at the lake. We have enjoyed the furniture- and often think about Judy and the day we traveled to Broadus to pick up the furniture. She was fun to visit with. I am sure she will be missed by all that knew her. Rest in Peace, Judy.
~Jim and Mary Jo Gehnert
Glendive, Mt
Cindy May says
So sorry to hear about Judy. Condolences to all of her family. She will be missed!!
Jeannene Maas says
Judy and I met at one of the trade shows we both worked at, and discovered we were actually cousins. She was so knowledgable about so many things! We talked and talked on the phone these last few years, and were planning a long road trip together with our pups, but circumstances kept pushing our travel dates back, and it never came about. I will always treasure the memory of those phone calls. Miss you, dear lady!
Norma Jean Ayala says
R.I.P. Dear Friend..M & M(Molly and Max) your beloved pups made it home to their new Family and settling in great with my other two pups..they are all playing and eating well..You will be in peace knowing we are doing good..but missing you..0
Becky & Larry Miller says
So sorry to hear about Judy’s passing. I have so many willow pieces of hers, plus a rug or two. She was so talented. We would visit and laugh at various shows she was at, with me inevitably buying another piece I had to have. Sending love and hugs to her family.
Pam Nisley says
Praying for comfort for all her loved ones! She brightened our world, and her talents were amazing !
Cyndi Fournie says
Sorry to report that Judy stole money from me for willow furniture that I ordered from her at the Sweet Pea Festival in Bozeman,MT. I gave her a considerable down payment for an order and she never forward through on delivery. This complaint went all the way through the BBB of MT and the Attorney General in MT. She cheated me out of a lot of money. She was not the honorable woman you have portrayed.
Cyndi F. says
My memory of Judy is meeting her at the Sweet Pea Festival in Bozeman, MT, and contracting her to make a set of willow furniture for me. She took a substantial downpayment but never delivered the furniture after every effort on my part to contact, communicate with her and even arrange trips to MT for promised scheduled deliveries which she always had an excuse to back out of. I even got the BBB of MT involved as I’m sure she scammed others out of money. I believe she never even made the furniture but took the money and ran. What a fine woman you’re mourning.