Judith Ann Madden, 82, reunited with Jesus and many loved ones when she passed away at University of Iowa Hospital on July 22 nd , 2026. Her life will be honored at Pickwick Church of the Brethren in Ottumwa on Saturday, July 25 th , with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. and the funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Dan Smith officiating. A graveside service and burial will immediately follow the service at Harness Cemetery in Mt. Sterling.
Judy was born on July 10, 1944, to her loving family in Selma, Iowa. Surrounded by her older brothers and sisters, she quickly grew into the fun-loving youngest daughter and sister who was always instigating fun for everyone. Judy loved bowling, tennis, skating, movies, dinner parties, and spending time with her very tight-knit family and friends.
As Judy grew, so did her desire to serve others. She loved to help people look and feel their best, so she attended beautician school, eventually opening her own beauty shop. Over time, several of her clients also became her closest and dearest friends and encouraged her growth as a person and a leader. With this encouragement and the success of her business, Judy concluded that she could do even more in service of others. She felt a new calling to pursue her bachelor’s degree in special education, which she did first at Ottumwa Heights and then at Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, Missouri. Degree in hand, Judy began her service by joining the staff of what is now Crest group home in Ottumwa, a role which continued for many years in case work and administrative capacities. In addition, Judy served students at the Smith-Warren school by producing, directing, and choreographing musicals and plays performed by the children, delighting participants and their parents. In later years, Judy put her craft talents to work, making quilts, doll clothes, and doll beds for children in
need, not to mention the month she spent expertly sewing hundreds of cloth diapers for child victims of the Haiti earthquake. With her fine crafting skills, Judy would gain some renown as a maker of doll clothes, with many fine handmade doll dresses and accessories sold in specialty stores in Iowa and beyond. Judy loved to travel and experience new things. Her love of traveling in Iowa took her and her friends to visit almost all of the freedom rocks in Iowa, among other travels. She also traveled to Chicago frequently for family visits, enjoying the journey with her friends who came along for fun and adventure.
A long-time member of Church of the Brethren in Ottumwa, Judy lived a life dedicated to serving others in Christ. She gave generously of her time, care, and kindness, and she will be remembered for the difference she made in the lives of those around her. Judy is survived by her sister, Evelyn (Ritz), and many nieces, nephews, and their children, all of whom will remember her with love and gratitude. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mildred, her father, Ernest, her brothers: William, Joseph, and Keith, and sisters: Norma (Smith) and Marian (Cox).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Freedom Rock Foundation (https://www.freedomrock.foundation/) or Crest Services Foundation (https://crestservices.org/crest-services-foundation/)
