Judson H. Flower, Jr, 87 of N Ogden, Utah, “graduated with honors” from his earthly journey and went home to his Maker on December 5th, 2019.
Jud was born in Alamosa, Colorado on November 30, 1932 to Judson Harold and Myrtle (Thomas) Flower. He was raised in Sanford and Manassa, CO and moved with his family to the San Diego area of California as a youth. He played violin in High School and became the Concert Master at Grossmont High in La Mesa-El Cajon. He also loved to play tennis and continued playing for many years. In High School he met Juanita Marlene Heflin, his sweetheart, the love of his life. They both attended Brigham Young University and were married March 3, 1953 in the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Shortly after being married, Jud was drafted into the Army during the Korean War, and they spent two years at Fort Ord, CA. After their army days, Jud completed his BA Degree at Brigham Young University and began teaching at Murray High School in Murray, UT and they adopted daughter Joan just hours before moving to Murray.
Following three years in Salt Lake City, Jud was contracted to teach at a large U.S. Air Force Dependent’s High School in Spain, located on a USAF Strategic Bomber Base near Madrid. While in Madrid they adopted two more children, Diane and Thomas.
After four years in Madrid, they returned to Provo, UT where Jud completed an MA Degree in history and then accepted a teaching position at Miles Community College in Miles City, Montana. It was in Miles City that they adopted their youngest child, Benjamin.
From 1966-77 Jud was a history-political science instructor at MCC. In 1973 he completed his Doctorate Degree at Laurence University in Sarasota, FL. In 1977 he was appointed as Vice President of MCC. In 1979 Jud was appointed as President of Miles Community College, serving sixteen years and retiring in 1995.
Jud served in a variety of Church callings, including eleven years as a Counselor in the Eastern Montana District Presidency, followed by nine years as President.
Jud and Juanita served together on several missions. They were the Senior Couple in Nashville, Tennessee from 1996-97. In 1999, Jud was called to be the Director of the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial in Sharon, Vermont, where they served together for two years hosting thousands of visitors to that historic site.
Soon after returning to Miles City, Jud was called as a Counselor in the Presidency, with Juanita as Assistant Matron, in the recently completed Billings Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They moved to Billings, MT in 2002 where they lived for thirteen years.
As their health declined, Jud and Juanita moved to N. Ogden, Utah in 2015 to be with their eldest daughter, Joan.
Jud was always proud of his family and was a true “patriarch” in every sense of the word! He loved his children: Joan (Jess) Rudd of N. Ogden, UT; Diane Fisher (deceased) of Spokane, WA; Thomas (Cheryl) Flower of Houston, TX; and Ben (Marlo) of Snoqualmie, WA. He is also the proud grandpa of 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren!!
He was preceded in death by his grandson, Jay Gaskill (son of Doug & Joan Gaskill) in 1995, and his daughter, Diane Flower Fisher in 2007. He is survived by his brother, Bob of El Cajon, CA.
The funeral will be held Saturday, December 14th, 2019 at 11am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ~ 825 Moorehead in Miles City, Montana. Burial will be at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City. Viewings will be held at Stevenson’s Funeral Home Friday, December 13th from 1-4pm with family receiving friends from 4-6pm and Saturday from 9-10am at the church.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 28th at 10am in N. Ogden, Utah at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 575 E 3100 N.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to Primrose Hospice and Right-at-Home Caregivers.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday December 13, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
MILES CITY, MT 59301
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday December 13, 2019
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
MILES CITY, MT 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 14, 2019
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
825 Moorehead
Miles City, MT 59301
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Saturday December 14, 2019
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
825 Moorehead
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday December 13, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
MILES CITY, MT 59301
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday December 13, 2019
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
MILES CITY, MT 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 14, 2019
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
825 Moorehead
Miles City, MT 59301
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Saturday December 14, 2019
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
825 Moorehead
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Garth Sleight says
There is not enough space here to do justice to the impact Jud has had on my life, and on the life of my family and so many others. Jud was the MCC president that hired me in May of 1986. Aside from the obvious fact that he was my boss from 1986 to 1995, he was, more importantly, my friend, mentor, ideal, and a father figure. I have heard many former MCC employees say, “Jud was the best boss I ever had.” He was universally respected as an educational leader and source of wise insight. Juanita was his perfect complement. To Juanita, the Flower children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, I thank you for sharing this great man with us. My sincerest condolences go to all of you.
Caroline Fleming (nee McKee) says
Dear Juanita and family, My prayers are raised for you and your family in this difficult time. It is hard to lose a loved one to death, and it is especially hard to lose Jud who was such a blessing to so many. His legacy of friendship as he mentored so many staff and spouses at Miles Community College will never be forgotten. There were many good times among MCC staff during Jud’s tenure. The world is a better place for him having been here, and he is sorely missed. God bless you all in this time of sorrow.
Stefani Hicswa says
I am a better person having known Dr. Flower, and I was a better MCC President having him as a mentor. I met Jud shortly after I moved to Miles City. He gave me great advise and council. He was careful never to tell me what he thought I should do, but instead he listened and helped me process. I always felt I could call on him at anytime. Juanita and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Raylynn Sleight says
So many of my happiest childhood and early adulthood memories include the Flower family. I’m grateful that Jud believed in my Dad and hired him at MCC in 1986 and bring our family to our only home sweet home, Miles City. Sending all my love to Juanita and family. ♥️
Jeffrey A. "Scooter' Fretland says
Dear Juanita and Family:
I was so sorry to hear of Dr. Jud’s passing. He was one of the nicest, kindest, and most inspirational individuals I ever knew. He consoled me and gave me plenty of encouragement and advice when I desperately needed it when I attended M.C.C. Wonderful gem of a person. He will be greatly missed! God Bless you, Juanita, and your family. J Fretland, El Paso, Texas
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Dr. Flower made an impression on me as a freshman at MCC in 1968-69 that I never forgot. He was a great teacher and as President later, MCC was very fortunate to have him lead. My sincere sympathy to Juanita and all the family.
Cheryl Rainey Yasuda says
So many memories from my youth and throughout my adulthood are with the entire Flower family. They opened their home to so many memorable parties with good clean fun and laughter, I loved to hear Jud read scriptures aloud during scripture study. You felt like you heard the word of the Lord in person! I can’t be sad for his passing because he truly did “graduate with high honors”. Prayers for comfort to Juanita, Joan, Jess, Tom, Cheryl, Ben and Marlo as well as all the grand and great grandkids. You can all be proud of your heritage and for having such a pillar of strength as a role model.
Vanna Lancaster Byrd says
A truly awesome man who will be greatly missed. My condolences to his entire family.
Diana Elwood says
Joan and Family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. May God give you His peaceat this time.
Peggy and Chuck Steadman says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Connie Genger says
Juanita and family, I am so sorry to hear of Jud’s passing. He was a good man who graced this earth with his presence. He used to joke about how, at one point in time, he had breakfast with me more often than he did his wife! His input and insight was always beneficial. He will be missed.
Russ Harris says
This is one of God’s finest people! He made a huge impression on me back in 1977-78 when we lived in the Miles City Branch. As a young father he provided an example that I still remember to this day. My condolences to all the family and be assured that his was a life well-lived.
Stephani Schumacher-Collins says
Thomas, so sorry to hear of the loss of your father.
So, now he and Diane, will be together with their Heavenly Father.
Take care,
Stephani Schumacher-Collins
Susan Stewart Witwer says
Dr. Flower, was a wonderful influence in my life.. I worked with him when I was the President of the Student Body at MCC, and I was Coached in tennis on our Tennis Team. We were all lucky to have him. We were all better students after knowing Dr. Flower..
DeArlyne Kappel says
Dr. Flower was instrumental in my success as a college student at MCC. No matter that he was the “president” he always had time to stop and visit, advise and most importantly, teach. My sympathies for his family. The many communities he served are better for the impact he had on all.
Roger & Janice Provost says
Jud was certainly one of the most influential men in my life. As my teacher, tennis coach, and friend he was “Miles” above the rest. One of the most respected men in Miles City, he will be greatly missed.
Tom and Kathy Wankel says
To Juanita and the Flower family, we extend our sincere sympathy. Both Judd and Juanita were incredible mentors as I started my teaching career at Miles Community College, and I am forever grateful! Dr. Flower was an outstanding leader, teacher and role model! May it comfort you in some small way to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cheryl Koch says
Dear Juanita and family,
I recently learned of Jud’s death and want to express my deepest sympathy to you all. John and I had so much respect for him–as a “boss” but also as a man. He provided such a wonderful role model for John early in his career and I just enjoyed his silly side with me. I don’t know if you heard that John passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in October, 2018, of a pulmonary embolism. Perhaps he and Jud are sharing a lively argument in the great beyond. Please know that I am thinking of you.
Cheryl Koch
Belén says
Thomas, lamento mucho la pérdida de tu padre que ahora estará con su Padre Celestial.
A la señora Juanita y a toda la familia Flower quiero expresarles mi más sentido pésame desde Burgos, España.