Judy Kay Dykes
Judy Kay Dykes was a woman who loved her large family with all her heart and worked hard to contribute positively to those around her. She is greatly missed by her family, loved ones and community.
On Monday, June 10, 2024, Judy Kay Dykes, loving wife and mother of three, passed away at age 71.
Judy was born Jan. 19, 1953, to Arthur Briggs and Marjorie Church.
Judy grew up in a big family being one of fourteen children and while there was not a lot to go around financially, there was always a lot of love. Love is something that defines Judy to the core. She loved unconditionally and in her final days, she was surrounded by people who loved her.
She was a woman of grace and courage, with a stubborn streak that showed up when she set her mind to something. Judy grew up in Yamhill, Ore., and was a jack of all trades, from working in her dad's gas station to picking strawberries in the field. She graduated from Yamhill High School in 1970.
Judy met the love of her life, James Lauren Dykes (Jim), in 1991 and the two were married Oct. 24, 1992.
Her love of animals came from being raised in the country where she could often be found playing in the dirt or exploring nature, which made marrying a farmer an easy decision. The two blended their families and raised their kids the best they knew how. Judy was Jim’s “right-hand woman” on the farm and was the best and his favorite “hired hand” until 1995 when her health issues made that harder for them.
Prior to working on the farm, Judy worked many different jobs such as being a waitress and a hotel housekeeper which is why she always enjoyed maintaining and keeping a clean home. After she stopped helping on the farm, Judy spent a lot of time selling and building her business as the local Avon representative that many were blessed by. She won many awards and prided herself in earning a Presidents Club Mrs. Albee doll every year.
When not working, her favorite thing to do was go fishing and camping, highlighted by the annual sibling fishing/camping trip she, Jim and many family members would join. Other hobbies that she enjoyed included playing games with family, being goofy, and singing karaoke.
Judy and Jim always hoped to have more kids but due to health issues that was not possible, so they went into foster care and fostered many children. The last foster child was Justin Morgan whom Judy took to instantly and prided herself in helping Justin successfully graduate high school and he held a special place in her heart.
Judy loved so many people and had an enormous family with lots of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and half-brothers and sisters in Michigan.
Judy was a fighter in the best way; unapologetically herself, with her spirit full of love and spice. Her life was never easy through the circumstances that come with a large family with little to go around, and later in life several health issues plagued her and caused her expression of self to be misunderstood by some. That did not stop her from building and sustaining a love with her husband that was rich and true.
Her life, the good, the bad, and the ugly is something that she has left for us as seeds to use in the garden that is our lives. Judy’s journey was stopped before we wanted it to, but now we get to carry the seeds of her life with us everywhere we go and share the beauty of Judy’s life and love with those we encounter during our remaining time on this earth.
Judy is survived by her husband, Jim Dykes, daughter Amanda Jordan (Jeremiah), and son James Dykes. Her brothers Claude Briggs (Jodi) and Mike Briggs (Letha) sisters Ethel Briggs (Don) and Goldie Butcher (Dave) and stepdad Robert Forester (Pops).
She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Briggs and Marjorie Church, stepmom Hazel Forester, brothers Sherman Briggs, Jeff Briggs, Billy Briggs, Art Briggs, and Robin Briggs, sisters Betty Hahne, Sandy Shaddon, June Graves, Alice Thayer, son Ian Dykes, daughter Jennifer Graham and daughter-in-law Krista Dykes.
She is also dearly loved by each of her grandchildren Caleb McMahon (Alazay), Justin McMahon, Joslin Iana Montejano, Hayden Jordan, Gannon Jordan, Corey Jordan, Isaac Jordan, Jacob Jordan, Kamryn Dykes, and Elsie Dykes, as well as four great-grandchildren Stormi McMahon, Cayden Godwin, Ryan McMahon, Flynn McMahon. Judy will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Asambleas de Dios in Royal City, Wash., at 1 p.m. A private burial will be held thereafter at Royal Memorial Gardens where Judy’s body will be laid to rest.
A celebration of life — food will be provided – at Asambleas de Dios after the funeral and burial services.
Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.