Judy M. Greenhalgh, 86, of Oskaloosa, died Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa.
She was born October 4, 1938, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the daughter of Vernie Leroy and Frances Ellen Whitlock Nance. Judy grew up in the “Greenview” neighborhood. She loved the neighborhood so much that she raised her family there and still considers many of her neighbors family. She attended Lincoln Elementary School and Oskaloosa High School.
On May 25, 1956, she was united in marriage to Franklin J. Greenhalgh at the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa. To this union was born daughter Michelle. Judy worked at the old Rivola Theatre in Oskaloosa and later at the overall factory. She spent many years working in housekeeping at local hotels. Last she worked at Hy-Vee stocking shelves. Judy was a selfless volunteer; she dedicated many hours to helping her granddaughter, Allison, with a neighborhood vacation Bible school. She also enjoyed volunteering at the New Hope Thrift Store in Oskaloosa; not only did she enjoy the ministry of the program but she also enjoyed finding unique treasures. She was an avid and creative letter writer and enjoyed staying in contact with family and friends through the mail. She enjoyed line dancing with Frank, doing crafts, working in the yard and flower gardens, and watching a variety of PBS programs. She especially enjoyed Antiques Roadshow and enjoyed attending a filming of the program with her grandson-in-law, Aaron. She was a gracious host and made sure that no one left her home without a gift or a buckeye from her tree. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.
Her family includes her daughter, Michelle Terpstra, and husband Mike of Oskaloosa; a granddaughter, Allison Bartholmey, and husband Aaron of Colfax; a sister, Shirley Nance of Oskaloosa; two brothers, Tim Nance of Oskaloosa and Bud (Shirley) Nance of Knoxville; her brother- and sisters-in-law, Gary (Marilyn) Greenhalgh and Mary Greenhalgh all of Oskaloosa; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of over 66 years, Franklin Greenhalgh on April 17, 2023; an infant daughter, Candas Greenhalgh; a brother-in-law, William Greenhalgh; and a sister-in-law, Patricia DeHeer.
As was Judy’s wish, her body has been cremated and no visitation is planned. A private family graveside service will be held in the Forest Cemetery. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to Iowa PBS.
