Judith Lea Detty Obituary (2023)

Beloved wife, mother, granddaughter "Blondie," grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, "Nana", aunt, sister, and friend, Judith "Judy" Lea Detty (Koller) walked the warm sandy shore with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on June 5, 2023. Her earthly cause of passing was due to complications of Glioblastoma Multiforme. Judy was born in sunny SoCal, San Diego, "Americas Finest City," to Kathreen Murray Karr "Kitty" and William A. Koller Jr., on June 16, 1942. When Judy was just a young child, both her father and mother remarried, and she gained stepsisters Karlee and Suzie. Judy and her mother spent a few years living in Austria, where they had many adventures and she learned to speak German. She delighted younger members of the family by teaching them how to count to 10 in German. When Judy returned from overseas adventures to San Diego, she attended local schools, graduating from Point Loma High School. Post secondary training led to an early career in Dental Assisting, practicing in both San Diego and Yakima, Washington. Judy met Martin E. Detty "Marty" at the Ocean Beach Baptist Church, the same church he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior. On October 21, 1961, officially known as the "Sweetest Day" Marty and Judy, "his sweetheart" and "sunshine," were married. Through this union, Judy was blessed with co-parenting two beautiful daughters, Deborah Ann and Valarie Belle Detty. On April 28, 1971, Judy and Marty were blessed with another daughter, Leslie Clara Beverly Detty. Judy was fond of recounting how she gained a personal relationship with Jesus through an invitation to church from a neighbor. She continued to share the call of Jesus, "Follow me", with neighbors, friends, and family, mostly children, transporting them faithfully to Church and Awana, holding Good News Clubs, and passing out tracts. Many made their own decisions and continue to lead others to Christ with their sincere desire to "pass it on." Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Ephesians 3:17 Judy and Marty returned to Yakima in 1964 to be closer to family. They worked side-by-side as owners of orchards in both Zillah and Selah. They later sold these orchards and went on to purchase, develop and manage the daily operations of three mobile home parks and multiple rental properties, both in Richland and later, in Yakima, Washington. They loved to laugh about how Judy sold the orchards on "Tradio" (Buy, sell and trade radio). They lived their lives with true fearlessness, faithfulness, and a healthy dose of humor. The Lord blessed them in all they did. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 All who knew Judy were familiar with her many talents and skills. Her interests were varied and included genealogy, sewing, making quilts, beads, and buttons, making jewelry, cross stitch, watercolor, yard sales (both hosting and attending), thrifting, and antiquing. She was also a faithful fishing companion to husband, Marty, and other family and friends, spending hours fishing on the rivers, streams and lakes. She especially loved gifting her treasures to others both on occasion and "just because". She was a member of the Brownies as a child and enjoyed membership at the Womens Century Club, winning many awards for her creations in the button club. She loved chocolate, popcorn, and home movies, her family, friends, fellowship with church family and small groups at Sun Valley Church, but most of all, she loved Jesus and strove daily to be a Christ follower. Christ our greatest treasure. Philippians 3:1-16 Judy is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Marty, mother, Kathreen, father, William, granddaughter, Vicky, sisters, Karlee and Suzie, sisters-in-law, Joyce and Donna, brothers-in-law, Ernie and Al, nephews, Kurt and Donnie. Judy is survived by her daughters, Leslie Rodriguez, Valarie (Bill Perry), Debbie (Steve Cote), grandsons, James, Xavier, Steven, granddaughters Lisa and Chantel and many other great and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Our sincere thanks to Judys grandson, James for tirelessly serving his grandmother as her caregiver and constant companion. She loved him dearly and they shared the same sense of humor. Daughter, Valarie, is appreciated for her loving spirit and support, daily care (excellent bed baths), cleaning, organizing and decorating skills. Everyone appreciated the cheerful tree in her room, decorated appropriately for each season. She enjoyed weekly breakfast at Powerhouse Grill after attending Sun Valley Church with her daughter, Leslie, and her significant other, Byron Pedrosa, whom she asked to pray with every night before bed. Judy was blessed with family, friends, church family and small group visitors ministering in the word, prayers, and song, showing their love to Judy during this extra time we were graciously given with her. Her heart was full before her journey to heaven with the testimonies of those she had brought to Christ, like Ruben Rosales and Amber Rodriguez. Faithful ministry in word and song by Pastor John, Pastor Rick (Songs of Psalms), Will from small groups, and singing talents of Jessica Placzek and her sisters (sweet birthday balloon). No better birthday gifts. If Judy could share anything with you today, I think she would say that living for Christ was "worth it all." She would urge you to listen to Jesus calling and answer so that you can have assurance of life in heaven, life everlasting, and a friend who is always there and cares for you. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with Me. Revelation 3:20 We would also like to extend gratitude to staff at MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital for making her comfortable in her last days with family and friends. We were all so blessed to celebrate her 81st birthday with fellowship and rejoicing. One day there will be all-together hugs to go around for everyone. A Visitation will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023, from 4:00-7:00pm, and 1:00-2:00pm, just prior to the Celebration of Life, on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 2:00pm, all at Shaw & Sons Funeral Home (201 N. 2nd Street, Yakima, WA 98901). A Reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made payable to Sun Valley Church and sent in care of Brookside Funeral Home (P.O. Box 1267, Moxee, WA 98936), who is caring for the family. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com. Visitation Shaw & Sons Funeral Home Friday, June 9, 2023 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM 201 N 2nd St Yakima, WA 98901 Funeral Service Shaw & Sons Funeral Home Saturday, June 10, 2023 1:00 PM 201 N 2nd St Yakima, WA 98901 Reception Shaw & Sons Funeral Home Saturday, June 10, 2023 2:00 PM 201 N 2nd St Yakima, WA 98901 Immediately following service in the Greenside Room.