Judy Bovee passed away peacefully on August 15, 2024 surrounded by her family.
Judy Kay Richardson was born in Great Falls, MT on March 8, 1954. She was the youngest of four children born to James and Hazel Richardson. Judy grew up in Miles City, MT where she enjoyed being a lifeguard, playing the oboe, and spending countless hours with the Pettigrew family. She graduated from Custer County District High School in 1972 and attended Miles Community College where she met the love of her life, Truman Bovee. Truman and Judy were married on April 20, 1974.
They started a family and had two children, Josh and Alisha. Truman was employed with the Montana Department of Transportation and in 1984 they moved to the state section house between Broadus and Miles City where the kids attended a one-room rural school. The years they spent there were some of the happiest of Judy’s life. She built life-long friendships, loved attending services at the Coalwood Church, and provided a loving home for her family. In 1989, the family moved to Columbus, MT where they resided for over 20 years. Judy managed the Apple Village Café and later opened TJ’s Pizza and Subs in downtown Columbus. Judy returned to college and completed her Associate’s Degree in business. She worked at the Mental Health Center in Billings, MT for over 10 years, including time working in Human Resources, which she described as her favorite job.
After retirement, Judy lived in Miles City, MT, Shepherd, MT and most recently spent the past year in Grain Valley, MO so that she could be closer to her son and his family.
Judy’s greatest loves were her husband, her children and five grandchildren. She was so proud of the lives that her children created and the families that they built. She enjoyed attending all events that her children and grandchildren participated in. Judy loved to travel with her family and enjoyed many trips, most notably to California and New York City. Over the years, Judy loved camping on the Madison River, performing with the Barn Players Community Theater, tending to her lawn and flowers, teaching vacation bible school, sharing her love of music with kids, singing with the Sweet Adeline’s chorus, playing board games with her grandkids, spending time with the “Ladies of ‘72”, hosting holiday family gatherings, or just curling up with a good book. Judy felt so loved and cherished by all of the family and friends that attended her and Truman’s 50th wedding anniversary celebration in April 2024. She had a brilliant sense of humor, truly lived life to the fullest, and she will be greatly missed.
Judy is survived by her loving husband, Truman; her children, Josh (Erin) Bovee of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Alisha (Ray) Belmontez of Grain Valley, MO; her grandchildren Emily, Evan, Ryan, Abigail and Oliver; her siblings Lee and Connie. Judy is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Mark.
Judy will be cremated at Langsford Funeral Home and funeral services will be held at The Parlor, located at 1806 Main Street in Miles City, MT on Saturday, August 31st at 2:00 p.m. A lunch reception will follow. One of Judy’s favorite things was the numerous church potlucks that she attended. We are asking anyone who is interested to please bring your favorite potluck side dish or dessert to the reception. Thank you.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday August 31, 2024
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday August 31, 2024
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Denise Harvey says
What a wonderful lady! So talented and caring! We are so very sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to you all!
Denise and Jay Harvey
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Mary Belmontez says
I miss you so much. I just can believe you are gone. We had beautiful memories spending time with are grandkids. I just keep thinking about all of us together during the holidays. You are will always be in my heart.
Love you Mary
Marc and Denise Hartse says
Denise and I are truly heartbroken to see this. Our sympathies and condolences go out to the whole family, especially Truman. We will miss knowing she is there. Once again, we are so sorry.
De Nice Curry says
Bovee family,
Kim and I were sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. But she is in a better place and she created so many wonderful memories through the years for those left behind to share.
Kim Feil and De Nice Curry
Betty Emilsson says
I was so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. She and Truman gave so much to our community. I wish I could join you in the celebration of her life, Please know my spirit is with you.
Mollie Phipps says
So sorry for your loss our families go back a very long ways
MaryAnn Stoltz says
Sorry, for your loss and prayers for the family! Judy was a nice lady, she at peace with god!
Hugs to family!
Patsy George Almy says
Ok, trying again as I really want you to know that this is such sad news. I remember fun times from high-school band, and her shining performance on that oboe. Mr prayers are with you.
Wanda Linnell Richlen says
I’m so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bovee family.
Bill & Sandy Jensen says
Our sincere condolences to all of Judy’s family.
Janice (Lopez) Primozich says
Judy was a kind and gracious person. Even in a situation that could have been uncomfortable, Judy made you feel happy to be there and grateful to know her. I am so sorry for your loss. Truman, Lee, and Connie you are in my prayers.
Karen Morris says
With deepest sympathy to Judy’s family and friends. I will never forget my great admiration of her talent on the oboe and most especially how kind she was to those of us that were somehow born without that gift. May you be comforted by your memories and know that others will always remember her, too. God bless.
Donna Leitholt-Taylor says
To all the family I am so sorry for your loss.
Cheryl Koch says
I was sad to hear the news of Judy’s death. She and Truman were an integral part of our theatre and music activities during John’s and my years at Miles Community College. I have many great memories of sharing that time with them—onstage and off. They were talented, thoughtful, and kind. We stayed in touch with them as much as is possible with many miles separating us, but they will always play “lead roles” in my memories. ~ Cheryl Koch
Pam Pettigrew says
Truman and family, you have my heartfelt sympathy at the death of your lovely wife and mother, Judy. She was always the one who brought sunshine to the day even when it was cloudy. She is shining bright in heaven now and with no pain. Thank you for the anniversary party. I am so happy that we Pettigrews were able to be there.
aimee Bovee says
Judy was such a warm and kind person. Never failed to show compassion for others. I will miss her dearly.
Tracy Axelberg says
Truman, I am so sorry for the loss of the love of your life. Judy was in my first childhood neighborhood (she is one day older than me) and a Miles City schoolmate of mine from start (Washington School) to finish (MCC). Always a credit to our class and a wonderful girl. I am fortunate to have known her. Happy trails, Judy.
Krista Halbert says
The days in Barn productions with Judy, Truman, the Kochs, and everyone else are one of the things I miss most about Miles City. You are loved and missed!
Libby Mathers Gardner says
Reading through these thoughts brings Judy’s smiling self to the forefront of my mind. I am grateful to have known her in my CCHS years and, as an adult in the Barn Players and musical community. A bonus was seeing you both at the St Patricks Cathedral Christmas Concert last year. You both were still lively and smiling. Tender care to all who are missing her today.
Tim and Sheila Miller says
Tim and I are so sad for the loss of Judy !!She had a Wonderful sense of Humor and a Beautiful voice !She sang the Lords prayer at our wedding52 years ago it absolutely Beautiful!!
Darlene Feakes Morrison says
My sympathy goes out to the Bovee family, I know she will be missed.
Sharon Pettigrew says
Sending love, hugs and prayers
Love Pete & Sharon Pettigrew & family
Joanne Richardson says
It’s taking me a while to send this because it’s probably one of the hardest I have had to write. There are so many cherished memories of time spent with Judy and Truman and the cousins Josh, Alisha, LeAnn and Lori all being close in ages. I will never forget the Thanksgiving feasts, musical talents – especially that oboe – barnplayers , etc. Judy will be so missed and may she now rest in eternal peace.
Linda Cory Koerper says
Judy and I attended the same church through high school. We also went to church camp together during grade and jr. high school. Sang together at church too. She always made me laugh and always remembered me every time we ran into each other. May The Lord give you peace and strength and carry all of Judy’s family during this very difficult. You are all in my prayers! In Christ, Linda Cory Koerper
Karson and Marie Farnum Kluver says
Karson and Marie Farnum Kluver
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pam Rogge says
Truman and family,
So very sorry for your loss, prayers for comfort for you in the days ahead.
Cathy Durst says
Truman and family – We are so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. Lots of fun high school memories. My favorite – Judy practicing her oboe solo in the hotel bathroom during the night at the state music festival (who needs to sleep? lol). Also – I can’t remember if it was at the district or state music festival when the adjudicator stood and applauded after Judy’s solo. That just doesn’t happen… Such talent! Heaven’s orchestra is loving this new addition!
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Cathy and Geoff Durst
Melody Haynes says
Sincere Apologies !
Susanne Galbraith says
Sending my heartfelt sympathy to Truman and the rest of Judy’s family. May your memories carry you through this difficult time.
Sally Cifala says
Truman and Josh & Alisha – I am so sorry for your loss. I know Judy found her soulmate in you, Truman. I will miss her, especially at the gatherings of “72 Girls” where her smile and infectious laugh will always be remembered. I am thankful to have lots of memories of shenanigans from Jr High through High School with her that I will not forget. Rest in Peace, Judy.
Bob Richardson says
Losing a loved one and relative is hard to take, especially when they are still in their prime. My thoughts and prayers are with Truman, Lee, and Connie and their respective families. My memories of Judy are when we would spend time at our grandma’s house in Rosebud playing card games and board games. Of course, the early family gatherings during the holidays. One Thanksgiving Day, I remember Judy placing pitted olives on all of her fingers and parading around showing off her green fingernails. Judy will be missed.
Your cousin, Bob
Dot and Bill Reichert says
I worked with Judy at Mental Health Center and Bill knew Truman through work also. I worked with Alisha at Mental Health Center too and knew her for many years. I’m sad to hear of Judy’s passing, she was a lovely person who always had a smile for everyone, as was Alisha also. Although l did not know Truman my husband always spoke highly of him. Our sympathies are with everyone in this lovely family, May Judy rest in peace.
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Dear Family, So sorry to read about Judy. She was always so friendly and had time to smile and visit for a minute. I haven’t seen her for a while but will miss that smile. You are all in our thoughts a prayers.
Marsha Christiansen says
I really didn’t know Judy, but I am a Bovee cousin. I just wanted to say ‘SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS’ You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandie Waldo says
I have fond memories of Judy from time spent at MCC. Judy could really make me laugh and when she and Truman got together… what a pair!! Together they could make me double over with laughter. Judy brought more than laughter though. She was a kind and thoughtful person. The world is less without her. Heartfelt condolences to her family.
Bob Thaden says
I knew Judy and Truman as her pastor during their years in Miles City, and singing with Truman and the Barbershop singers. Judy ALWAYS had a beautiful smile, and was so kind and supportive of Marilyn and me and I suspect to all who knew her. We missed Truman and Judy when they moved from Miles City because they were both such a positive force in life. Our hearts go out to Truman and the rest of the family. Know that she will live on in the memories of many, many people.
Keith Williams says
I never knew her but know of the Bovee family, they are cousins from the Williams side, My dad was Roy and their dad was Dick, as I remember!!!!!
Patricia Washington says
Loved you Judy. The world will miss you and was a wonderful place with you in it. RIP
Jennifer "Henderson " Murphy says
Alisha, Josh and Truman
I am so sorry. Judy was a wonderful person. She will be missed by all who had the chance to meet her.
Jennifer
Ray says
My mother in-law was a very special woman who will always be cherished in my heart. I miss you so much Judy. Thank you for all the good things you taught me and about the importance of FAMILY. I will always remember your smile and laugh. Not now but later one day we will be together again. Love Raymond.