Judith Mellott was born in Anacortes, WA the first born child of John and Wanda Eiford. She attended grade school in Bellingham and Blaine and graduated from Blaine High School class of 1957. She attended Skagit Valley College for a time and then worked at Boeing.
She met Norm Mellott at a dance hall in 1960 and they were married in Anacortes November 10, 1961. Norm and Judie bought a piece of property in west Mount Vernon and raised their girls, Beckie and Laurie in a house full of fun, dogs, and Norm's jokes . They were members of the United Presbyterian Church in Mount Vernon for many years.
Although Judie worked full time for 24 years at the Skagit County Auditor's Office, her true passion was being a homemaker. Never a season went by that the pantry and freezer weren't full of produce that came from the garden. She and Norm made annual trips in the RV to Eastern Washington for peaches and pears, sometimes picking cherries too. Judie loved to can fruits and soups. She was so happy in her kitchen.
Time was also spent following their nephew Mark Albertine's sporting events in Ellensburg and Gray's Harbor. Norm and Judie were UW Tyee season ticketholders and enjoyed many tailgate events with friends and family in the parking lot. Rose Bowl games were not to be missed!
Judie retired in 1993 which gave her more time for her love of knitting and sewing. After retirement quilting became her passion and left are some cherished pieces for her family to enjoy.
Norm and Judie spent as much time as possible traveling in their RV until 1998 when Norm passed. Judie remained at the family home for several years.
In 2004, Judie took the company of Bob Granger. They enjoyed camping, traveled, and enjoyed families on the holidays. Their families were thankful for the companionship they share helping each other through many times.
Judie suffered from frontal temporal dementia for approximately 15 years. Its silent onset is so subtle, the cat burglar of the mind. The stealth robber of one's peace and friendships. Its slow process took her from many things and people that she enjoyed. Lastly it took the ability for the family to keep her at home and she retired to the memory care facility, Home Place, in Burlington where she passed peacefully in the early hours of May 14, 2018.
We all will miss her quick wit, generous smile and laughter. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to dementia research of your choice.
She is preceded in death by her childhood brother, Stanley Eiford; her parents, John and Wanda Eiford; her husband Norm Mellott
Judie is survived by her brother Mike Eiford (Linda) ; children, Beckie Tjersland (John), Laurie Clark (Paul); grandchildren Stephanie Delgado (Jose); Brandon Luvera (Christel); Matthew Luvera (Bridget); Olen Tjersland; Emma Clark; Jack Clark; and 12 beloved great grandchildren. Niece Elizabeth Eiford, nephews John and David Eiford. Nephew Mark Albertine (Mary) Preston and Paul Albertine
Services to honor Judie will be held at the Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church. Friday May 18, 2018 at 2:00 pm