Judi Stern passed away unexpectedly Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. We are heartbroken to lose our mother and grandmother, who many lovingly knew as Mammo.
Judith Ann Byrne was born in Garfield on March 22, 1941, to George and Katie Byrne. She was raised and attended school in Garfield. Judi married Larry Stern on Oct. 25, 1958, and they spent 51 wonderful years together in the Garfield/Elberton area where they farmed and raised four children. Judi was a homemaker while raising the family, always cooking wonderful Sunday dinners and holiday meals, and delivering to the field during harvest. She later worked at the Wheel Inn in Steptoe and Excel Foods in Colfax before beginning a 25-year career at Washington State University in the CUB Accounting Office and Housing and Dining Office, retiring in 2010. She enjoyed working and made many wonderful friends during her time at WSU. Many have memories of how much fun they had working with her, and they remained in contact over the years. In retirement she volunteered at the Bluebird Gift Shop at Whitman Hospital in Colfax. Besides the time she loved being with family, she enjoyed visiting the area casinos, playing cards with her pinochle group and was a member of the Garfield Christian Church.
Larry and Judi demonstrated to all of us how to carry on when things get tough by keeping a positive attitude and sense of humor. She was the most dedicated caregiver to Larry when his health was failing, putting his care above all else. Judi had many memorable sayings to get through life including “You do what you do,” and “You do the best you can.” And she did what she did with perseverance, hope, and unconditional love.
Judi was so very proud of her children and grandchildren, and she loved all of the good times spent with them. If you knew her, you heard about what was happening in their lives. She loved bringing everyone together for family gatherings and attending her children’s and grandchildren’s musical and sports activities, especially basketball.
In earlier years with Larry and the family, life was full of activities including camping, fishing, dancing, ice-skating parties and get-togethers with lifelong friends who she still enjoyed visiting with.
Judi is survived by her four children, Alice (Brian) Rager, of Garfield, Sue (Monte) Elder, of Palouse, Sally (Tracey) Wickizer, of Colfax and Tom (Julie) Stern, of Spokane; nine grandchildren, Jake, Robin, and Lonny Cloninger, Aaron Rager, Eli and Haley Elder, Katie, Lindsay and Josh Stern; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Larry in 2010; her sister Jana Moore; and brother Bob Byrne.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, at the Garfield Christian Fellowship Church, 303 N Third St., Garfield, with the Rev. Corey Laughary officiating.
The family suggests memorials to the Whitman Community Hospital Auxiliary, 1200 W. Fairview St., Colfax, WA 99111.
Kramer Funeral Home of Palouse is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at kramercares.com.
