Judy Kay Dykes

On Monday, June 10th, Judy Kay Dykes, loving wife and mother of three, passed away at age 71. Judy was born on January 19th, 1953, to Arthur Briggs and Marjorie Church. Judy grew up in a big family being one of fourteen children and while there was not a lot to go around financially, there was always a lot of love. Love is something that defines Judy to the core. She loved unconditionally and in her final days, she was surrounded by people who loved her. She was a woman of grace and courage, with a stubborn streak that showed up when she set her mind to something. Judy grew up in Yamhill Oregon and was a jack of trades from working in her dad's gas station to picking strawberries in the field. She graduated from Yamhill High School in 1970. Judy met the love of her life, James Lauren Dykes (Jim), in 1991 and the two were married on October 24, 1992. Her love of animals came from being raised in the country where she could often be found playing in the dirt or exploring nature, which made marrying a farmer an easy decision. The two blended their families and raised their kids the best they knew how. Judy was Jim’s “right-hand woman” on the farm and was the best and his favorite “hired hand” until 1995 when her health issues made that harder for them. Prior to working on the farm, Judy worked many different jobs such as being a waitress and a hotel housekeeper which is why she always enjoyed maintaining and keeping a clean home. After she stopped helping on the farm, Judy spent a lot of time selling and building her business as the local Avon representative that many were blessed by. She won many awards and prided herself in earning a Presidents Club Mrs. Albee doll every year. When not working, her favorite thing to do was go fishing and camping, highlighted by the annual sibling fishing/camping trip Jim, her, and many family members would join. Other hobbies that she enjoyed included playing games with family, being goofy, and singing karaoke. Judy and Jim always hoped to have more kids but due to health issues that was not possible, so they went into foster care and fostered many children. The last foster child was Justin Morgan whom Judy took to instantly and prided herself in helping Justin successfully graduate high school and he held a special place in her heart. Judy loved so many people and had an enormous family with lots of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and half-brothers and sisters in Michigan. Judy was a fighter in the best way; unapologetically herself, with her spirit full of love and spice. Her life was never easy through the circumstances that come with a large family with little to go around, and later in life several health issues plagued her and caused her expression of self to be misunderstood by some. That did not stop her from building and sustaining a love with her husband that was rich and true. Her life, the good, the bad, and the ugly is something that she has left for us as seeds to use in the garden that is our lives. Judy’s journey was stopped before we wanted it to, but now we get to carry the seeds of her life with us everywhere we go and share the beauty of Judy’s life and love with those we encounter during our remaining time on this earth. Judy is survived by her husband, Jim Dykes, daughter Amanda Jordan (Jeremiah), and son James Dykes. Her brothers Claude Briggs (Jodi) and Mike Briggs (Letha) sisters Ethel Briggs (Don) and Goldie Butcher (Dave) and stepdad Robert Forester (Pops), mother-in-law Della Dykes. She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Briggs, Marjorie Church, stepmom Hazel Forester, brothers Sherman Briggs, Jeff Briggs, Billy Briggs, Art Briggs, and Robin Briggs, sisters Betty Hahne, Sandy Shaddon, June Graves, Alice Thayer, son Ian Dykes and daughter, Jennifer Graham and daughter in law Krista Dykes, father-in-law Lauren Dykes. She is also dearly loved by each of her grandchildren Caleb McMahon (Alazay), Justin McMahon, Joslin Iana Montejano, Hayden Jordan, Gannon Jordan, Corey Jordan, Isaac Jordan, Jacob Jordan, Kamryn Dykes, and Elsie Dykes, as well as four greatgrandchildren Stormi McMahon, Cayden Godwin, Ryan McMahon, Flynn McMahon. Judy will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 20th, 2024 at Asambleas de Dios in Royal City, WA at 1 PM. A private burial will be held thereafter at Royal Memorial Gardens where Judy’s body will be laid to rest. A celebration of life and food will be provided at Asambleas de Dios after the funeral service and burial service.

Judy Kay Dykes

January 19, 1953 - June 10, 2024