Judy Stine
January 23, 1948 ~ January 8, 2021
Judy D. (Johnson) Stine died January 8, 2021, from complications of cancer. Due to the pandemic, there will be no visitation or funeral at this time. Cards may be mailed to her family in care of Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, 715 10th Avenue SW, Mount Vernon, Iowa 52314.
Judy was born in Oelwein, Iowa, on January 23, 1948, to C. Kenneth and Anita (Rix) Johnson. After graduating from East Buchanan High School, and the University of Northern Iowa, she married Donald Stine on August 9, 1969, and started her teaching career. Judy taught general music at Adams Elementary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, from 1969 to 1974, then moved to Mount Vernon and taught music in both elementary and middle school from 1975, until her retirement in 2006.
Besides her musical abilities, Judy will be remembered for her kind heart, strong faith, teaching skills, out-going personality, keen sense of humor, and culinary genius. "I've had a wonderful life, NO REGRETS! and would like to thank everyone who made it so."
She is survived by her husband, Donald Stine of Mount Vernon, Iowa; daughter, Alexis (Loren) Gallegos of Camas, Washington; son, Morgan Stine (Kathryn Grubbs) of Seattle, Washington; daughter, Megan (Isaac) Way, of Seattle, Washington; grandson, Kai Gallegos; and granddaughter, Alice Way.
Other survivors include her siblings, Fred Johnson (Sandra Sandfort) of Ames, Iowa; Katherine Gibson of Aurora, Iowa, and Louise (Dick) Lang of Ely, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, William Gibson; and nephew, William Johnson.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that those wishing to honor Judy consider making a donation to any of the following: United Methodist Church of Mount Vernon, 304 1st Street SW, Mount Vernon, Iowa 52314, Chapter EW of the T.T.T. Society, 310 Palisades Road SW, Mount Vernon, Iowa 52314, Mount Vernon High School Fine Arts Association, 525 Palisades Road SW, Mount Vernon, Iowa 52314, or The Eastern Iowa Brass Band, c/o Board Treasurer, P.O. Box 487, Solon, Iowa 52333
Thank you to all who have been so helpful and supportive over these last difficult months. God Bless!
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Megan, Deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your mom. I’ll always remember her sitting on your porch, as well as teaching us the song “We Didn’t Start the Fire” in music class. May all or the happy memories comfort you during this difficult time.
💗 thank you Christy
Condolences to Judy’s family. I hope you find peace in this difficult time and in the coming months and years. Judy (“Mrs. Stine” to me) was a wonderful woman and educator who introduced me and the bulk of my siblings to Elton John, The Beatles, and the beloved “Waltzing Matilda” song that I now sing to my own son. She will be missed.
Don and family, Our deepest condolences on your loss. In fact, Judy’s passing is a tremendous loss for our whole MV community! Judy was a truly amazing individual — always giving of herself through her work and musical talents. She was an inspiration for us all. Kathy and I were blessed to have had her as a friend, and I was particularly fortunate to have had Judy as both teacher and accompanist as well. — Dave & Kathy Lynott
Don and Family, My deepest sympathy to each of you. Judy was a delightful lady and will be greatly missed, I enjoyed playing Bingo with her and you, Don, at Hills Bank. Judy was such a jovial person–she brought a little sunshine wherever she was. I have fond memories of working at the Antique Shop and sharing things that went on there. I hope you all have many happy memories to help you get through this difficult time. God Bless, Carol Clark
To Don and family, Judy was so welcoming to me when I started teaching at Mount Vernon High School many years ago. She always had a smile on her face, a word to the wise, a listening ear, and genuine love in her heart. My husband and I were welcomed into her charming home. She and Don would wave and shout out a happy “hello” when I would walk by and see them sitting together on their pack porch. All things GOOD emanated from Judy’s heart and soul—deeply and eternally loved. She will be missed but forever present in our memories. Sarah Hedges Richardson
So sorry, Don, to learn of Judy’s death. What a lovely woman, always smiling and so positive. Barb Clarke Oakland
I was so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories about your family it is hard to choose just one! I will always remember Mrs. Stine’s passion for music in class and specifically when she introduced the class to Phantom of the Opera. I fell in love with broadway musicals after that, and I think of her class every time I hear that music! All my love.
Don, my condolences to you and your immediate family. We, her siblings, share your loss … Judy was the finest “baby sister” anyone could ask for, and we 3 are going to miss her too. May God bless you and your family in this trying time.
To Don, Alexis, Morgan, and Megan and to your families, we send our most sincere condolences and share in your sadness. Your wonderful wife, mother, and mother-in law was also a fun-loving and cheerful aunt to me and I will always be thankful for the times when we stayed with Judy and Don during a week or so in the summer. These happy memories have lasted into my adulthood and I believe my sisters would say the same. We are holding you in our hearts and hope that you will lean on each other for comfort and ease during this difficult time.
This great woman will be missed. My deep sympathy for the family. Judy was a rock for me through trying times. Her friendship and buoyant personality helped keep me sane. In falls past I always looked forward to our yearly dinner out. John and I talk of her rum cake frequently and with great feelings. Her quick wit that included such mundane things as naming her kitty Roll Bars always kept me smiling. Rest in peace dear friend.
Don and kids, my deepest sympathy to you at this time. A thousand words would not be enough to tell how much Judy meant to me. For over 35 years, Judy, her family and I were connected through music. The brass band, town band, church groups, quintets and polka bands. So much love, fun and laughs. When my wife, Judy was going through her cancer treatments, Judy brought us supper every Wednesday for 12 weeks, When our parents died, she brought over enough of her delicious cinnamon rolls to feed an army. I think she’s done this for half of Mt. Vernon. Many dozens of times, whenever Judy’s name came up in conversation with townspeople, I would always say, “Judy Stine is the best person I know.” We should all try to live with her goodness. What a wonderful world it would be.
Judy and I used to share all kinds of info about our sons before, during and after high school when we met at Gary’s. We used to call each other in the early evening when they would be out and about around MV and we needed to remind them to get home, supper was waiting. Judy was always one to share a good laugh or a story with me. I remember when she called years ago asking if I would put up some people from a traveling Brass Band for the night. I had just moved to MV and didn’t know many people. I asked her how many does she have and she replied how many do you want. So I said I think I can put up four or five. We became fast friends after that. With regard, Patricia Charboneau
Don and all family members – we will miss Judy and her bright smile and joyous heart. So glad we had the chance to enjoy a “Rix Chix” reunion in June 2019 with the cousins. God bless you. Karla & Rick Lefebvre
Don Stine was the first member of the Stine family I met and it was many years ago. He was one of the elite members of the Iowa band community and I remember I was completely in awe of him. Then, many years later, I retired and moved to Iowa City and was no longer quite as intimidated by Mr. Stine and I think he called and asked if would like to play in his Mt. Vernon community band. Well, sure, I liked to play so I went to Mt. Vernon to a few rehearsals and then I met Judy. And after awhile I understood the success of the Mt. Vernon Community Band. Don was the director who stood out front and talked and Judy was the organizer, music wise (this was good/that was a waste of time), Don stop talking we need to rehearse, this tempo is too fast/slow etc. This was a real team effort and a very successful team effort. A friend and I usually tried to meet during the winter with the Stines and it was always fun. I am so happy we were able to spend the time together this fall, though my friend and I always said on the way to Mt. Vernon, “now we are going to be there for an hour, no more”. Well, of course, 2 hours later , when we finally noticed the time and still had trouble leaving (there was always one more thing to see, talk about) then we said next time one hour is the limit. Then, next time, it was three hours before we noticed the time and and another before we hit the car. And now, I’m not a bit sorry. I hope we didn’t tire anyone but I do treasure the time we spent. I am so sorry for Judy’s family and, of course, for Don but I am also so sorry for myself. Judy’s life was a treasure and while I’m not a family member, I miss her badly.
I am very saddened to hear of your mom’s passing, Morgan. My condolences to you, Alexis, Megan, Don and all of your loved ones on your loss. While it has been many years, Judy and Don were so welcoming to me, and all of us goofballs, on our Mt Vernon escapades from Iowa City back in the college days. May all of the wonderful memories give you comfort, Greg & Erin Loebe
Don and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve never forgotten Judy’s kindness toward, and tolerance of, the high school band crowd. Her wonderful sense of humor, unbounded hospitality, and mad baking skills will be missed by all who knew her.
So sorry to hear about Mrs. Stine’s passing. She was a very kind and unbelievably patient person. It cannot have been easy to handle dozens of middle schoolers with noise making devices, but she was always warm, friendly, and encouraging. She left her mark on so many people; we should all be so lucky to have the kind of impact she did.
I am sorry to hear about her passing. She was a kind person who cared about her students. To this day, I hear music that we sang in class and it instantly transforms me back to the Middle School music room.
I am saddened to hear of judys passing she always had a smile on her face when coming to Mercy. Prayers to the family. Mercy Valet staff
To Don and family, I was heartbroken for you all when I saw Judy’s obituary. Words are inadequate, but I hope wonderful memories of so many wonderful adventures together will help to fill the hole she leaves in so many hearts. Hugs to all, and healing thoughts.
My sympathy to everyone in Judy’s family. Judy was a wonderful neighbor to my parents for many years and always treated them with her rum cake at Christmas time. She will me missed by many in the Mount Vernon area and beyond.
My heart goes out to you Don, and to your family. I am so sorry for your loss. Judy was such a kind and generous individual, whose positive encouragement touched many lives. She convinced me that I really could play that 13-page competition piece with EIBB, so I did. It was the highlight of my “music life.” Some of my fondest memories include her homemade goodies at every rehearsal, as well as the end-of-season ice cream socials at your home. There was no limit to her generosity and her boundless love of family, friends and music. Sincerest condolences, Nancy Wombacher
So sorry to read of Judys passing – her presence will be missed, and I will cherish memories of her support of the arts, her great sense of humor, and willingness to share her wisdom and expertise. She was a wonderful friend to the arts and music in the metro area.
Don and family, Randy and I only just learned of Judy’s passing today. Our hearts go out to you and your family. Judy was always so kind and such a gracious woman. We will treasure our memories of her and feel blessed to have known her. With much love, prayers, and many hugs! Jo and Randy Harman
Don and family- Judy always had a smile when I saw her. I loved talking with her. She will be so missed by so many. So sorry for your loss. Her spirit is still here! Kim, Mike, Mark and Vivienne Andresen
I liked Judy so much from the earliest time we met in, I think, freshman year of high school. She was always kind to me when others were not. And we had a real connection. We also attended State College of Iowa as the University of Northern Iowa was known then. She was such a spark of kind mischief. I treasure the card she sent me last fall. It was a great blessing to see you both in October. Thank you for including me in your limited time. I am grateful for you both… Sue Wenholz Steininger Eagle.
Don and family, Judy was one of a kind and we are heart broken for all of you. We just learned of Judys illness recently, and are still in shock. Leave it to Judy to make us her famous Rum cake in her final days. Her spirit will live on in everyone that knew and loved her. God Bless, Dave and Donna Wolter
What a beautiful person! Judy always had a smile and a kind word when I passed her house on my way to work. I also remember her opening her house and providing yummy homemade snacks when campaign volunteers were making calls for Kristi Keast’s run for the Iowa House. The shine of the neighborhood is a little less with Judy’s passing.
Miss you Mom. Always an adventure! Meg