Judith D Sachs Obituary (2023)

Judith Ann DeVries Sachs, beloved mother, Bubbie, sister and friend, passed away November 5, 2023 in Ellensburg, WA. She was 84 years old. Born August 29, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois, Judith graduated from Denvers South High School in 1957, attended Whitworth College for 2 years and graduated from the University of Colorado Nursing School in 1962. After college she moved to Seattle, living with her sister and best friend, Janice and starting her first nursing job in the recovery room at Swedish hospital. While in Seattle, she met her future husband, Arthur (Art) B. Sachs. His love of rowing inspired her to join the the Lake Washington Rowing Club. Under his coaching, she and her 4 with coxswain took first place in the first National Womens Rowing Association Regatta on Seattles Green Lake in 1966. She and Art were married in 1967, moved to Kennewick, WA, where she working in the Emergency Department at Kennewick General until their daughter, Ellen, arrived. Judith stepped away from nursing after Ellen was born, thoroughly enjoying her role as full time wife and mother. The little family moved many times before settling into a small farm 15 miles from Pullman, near the town of Colton, WA. In 1978 Judith ran for Congress, campaigning against Thomas Foley. She lost in the primary elections. Judith returned to nursing in 1985, happy to rejoin the profession she loved, working as a home health and hospice nurse in Whitman County, WA. She relocated to Seattle to be closer to Ellen and soon-to-arrive grandchildren, continuing her nursing profession at Northaven Assisted Living. Judiths last move on earth was to Pacifica Senior Living in Ellensburg, WA, in March, 2022, to be closer to Ellen and her family. Judith was a strong believer in Christ and actively attended church wherever she lived. She had a beautiful alto voice, which she used to bring joy and hope, whether leading worship or singing at weddings and funerals. One of her favorite ministries was Grief Share, which she led for several years. She loved sewing, gardening and making people laugh. Judith was a creative, generous, compassionate woman who gave her all to those she loved, sowing seeds of humor and wisdom with those who were privileged to know her. Her legacy lives on in the memory and lives of her family, who will always remember not only the admirable way she lived her life, but her special skills like making Easter bunny cakes and telling stories. While no one has ever been able to emulate her special human trick of doing the boyoyoyoyoing sound effect, her family are committed to carrying on her propensity for wackiness - long live "Queen and Dog"! Judith is preceded in death by Arthur, her parents, and three sisters, Janice, Margaret and Carol. She is survived by Ellen (daughter), Dave (son-in-law), Aidan, Landis, Sophie and Weston (grandchildren), and Joan (sister). "We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." I Thessalonians 1:3 No public services are planned.