Judy Ann Wood, 67, Lake Charles, LA, died on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at her home with family by her side. Judy’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Justin Waltz as celebrant. Interment will be at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a rosary and vigil at 6 p.m. with Deacon Al Schwindt presiding.
Judy Filipi, the daughter of Stephen and Rose (Jilek) Filipi, was born on May 9, 1955 in Dickinson, ND. She was raised on a farm south of Dickinson and attended school in the city. Judy grew up in a family of 11 sisters and 3 brothers.
We all have talents; however Judy’s talents stood out among the rest! With a high school diploma in hand, Judy gained employment working in a local restaurant making sandwiches. The owner of the restaurant quickly recognized Judy’s talents and business sense and offered Judy the opportunity to be an owner of one of his many Donut Hole stores. Judy jumped on that and in addition to making donuts; she also decorated cakes for special occasions including wedding cakes. Judy shared her talent of decorating by teaching her employees and her niece the skill.
Some people have a green thumb; however, Judy had a dough thumb. Judy knew how the dough should feel when kneading and could easily tell when it was ready to bake. Judy’s Rolled Dumplings were spectacular, and her sister Peggy would pay her to come make them for company. After a conversation about making Rolled Dumplings, the next time Judy came to ND, dumplings and strudel were on the to do list. She was the only family member that could stretch strudel dough; unfortunately, with the loss of Judy, this art is also lost. Additionally, we will never forget how Judy made the best popcorn balls at Christmas.
Judy loved the water, beach, sunshine, fishing, flip flops, and fire pits leading her to eventually sell her Donut Hole and moved to Lake Charles, LA. She initially worked in the meat department at Kroger grocery store. Some years after arriving in Lake Charles, she met the love of her life, Ray Wood. Judy and Ray were married 21 years. As for remembering her anniversary date, Judy often said “everyone remembered except us, which is kind of normal for us. I figured every day is an anniversary.”
Judy and Ray started a highly successful fencing company, Knot Wood Vinyl, which they operated for several years. After they sold the company, Judy acquired employment testing soil for potential building projects. Judy’s strong work ethic and business savvy was evident as she strived to enhance the success of the company by implementing time saving and improvement processes as she had the same knack for dirt as she did for dough.
Judy was very particular about having clean floors like her mom. She hated dusting so that was last to get done and most likely why her home was so free from the clutter of Knick Knacks. Judy loved being at home and was not the traveling kind. She loved dancing and Johnny Cash’s song “Jackson” was a favorite. She loved her coffee in the morning (she invented ice coffee before it was a thing- drinking it when she helped with hay) and her beer later in the day. She had a beautiful smile and when she met up with you, she wanted to know about YOU!
Judy had a loving heart, especially for the elderly. Judy was humble, a minimalist and non-materialistic. Worldly possessions did not provide her with happiness. After a recent hospital stay, she refused the free gripper socks as she could use Ray’s from home.
We can all take a lesson from Judy for kindness. Judy was always up for a phone call with her siblings and would call frequently. She called every single one of us on our birthdays and with her beautiful voice sang “Happy Birthday”, and for her mom, “You Are My Sunshine” as this was one of mom’s favorites. Judy never had a bad word to say about anyone. She wanted to know the gossip like the rest of us, but she never judged or criticized. She would end her calls with, “Well hey, I love you and talk to you soon.” We will so miss her phone calls.
Judy had the most beautiful statues; Our Lady of Fatima, a gift from Mom and Dad, and a Pieta she purchased years ago at the Powers Lake Pilgrimage. Even though she was not strong in her faith from the outside appearances, she packed and moved those statues many times and had them in prominent places in her home.
After being diagnosed with small cell carcinoma in January, many of Judy’s siblings traveled to Lake Charles to spend time with her before her passing. Judy died on June 29, 2022, with the comfort of her husband and sisters, Peggy and Jacinta, by her side. Judy passed away about 24 hours after her mother. She was blessed many times with holy water and held the scapular in her hand as she passed. We are so thankful to Father Aubrey Guilbeau for coming to the house so promptly and giving Judy the last anointing as well as hearing her confession. Judy, until we meet again, know we love and miss you!
Judy is survived by her loving husband, Allen Ray, Lake Charles, LA; Ray’s son and daughter and grandchildren; father, Stephen, Dickinson; siblings, Evangeline Stockert, Bismarck, Diane Keck, Dickinson, Arnold (Theresa) Filipi, Swanzey, NH, Peggy Jurgens, Dickinson, Carol Carter (friend, Roxy Alpert), Dickinson, Jane Nichols, Spearfish, SD, Mary Ann (Dennis) Johnson, Dickinson, Theresa Jurgens, Grand Forks, Audrey (Mike) Charchenko, Dickinson, Bernadette (Shane) Spradley, Dickinson, Christina (Zane) Alexander, Minot, and Jacinta Skretteberg, Dickinson; brothers-in-law, Anton Stockert, Mandan, Cary Jurgens, Ottertail, MN, and Chad Skretteberg, Dickinson; sister-in-law, Sue (Leonard) Pavlicek, Dickinson; two godchildren, Tonya Praus and Nicholl Wolmarans; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Rose; brothers, Eugene and Darrell; grandparents, Steve and Anna Jilek, Frank and Mary Filipi; brothers-in-law, Ken Jurgens, Daniel Pavlicek; nephew, Christopher Carter; seven great-nieces/nephews; and in-laws, Effie and Hadley Vidrine.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to your local hospice or Dickinson Hospice 986 2nd Ave. W, Dickinson, ND 58601.
