Judith Pearl Koens, 87, passed away on September 20, 2021. She was born in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, on August 31, 1934, to Julius and Pearl (McLoud) Lillehaug.
Judy married Bill Koens on June 7, 1959. They were married for over 62 years. Judy, mother to Michael, Timothy and Douglas, raised her children with love and devotion in Skyway and Buckley, WA.
Judy’s first eight years of school were in a one-room schoolhouse nearly three miles from the farm which she grew up on. She was a 1952 graduate of Wessington Springs High School in South Dakota. Judy went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and a master’s degree from the University of Montana. She then became a teacher in both Brandon and Garretson, South Dakota, where she taught high school shorthand and typing.
Judy enjoyed spending time with family and friends at their cabin at Sun East near Ellensburg. She enjoyed gardening, canning and loved fishing. Judy was a dedicated Den Leader for Cub Scouts when her three boys were young.
Judy is survived by her husband, Bill; three sons: Mike, Tim and Doug; three daughters- in-law: Terri, Dianne and Kari; six grandchildren: Daniel, Jessica, Rachael, Katlyn, Jordan and Kayla; three great grandchildren: Della Rae, Greyson and Koen; and sister, Andrea Lillehaug.
Remembrances may be made in Judy’s memory to Augustana University, 2001 South Summit Ave, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 57197 or online at https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1093/lg20/form.aspx?sid=1093&gid=1&pgid=2006&cid=430&Appealcode=giftlink
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