Judy Roedema
January 29, 1957 ~ May 3, 2021
Judith "Judy" Roedema, of Marion, passed away unexpectedly during liver transplant surgery Monday, May 3, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Judith Marie Miller was born January 29, 1957, in Streator, Illinois, the fifth 'middle middle' child of Raymond Russell "Rusty" and Phyllis (Gaffney) Miller. Her childhood was filled with outside fun with her siblings and many laughs'Judy was always dancing, singing, and entertaining her siblings. Judy graduated from Regis High School in 1975. Her classmates were very close, keeping in touch over the years.
She loved baking cookies for friends and family, reading, traveling, and spoiling her grand-dogs Louie and Riley. Judy enjoyed frequent trips to the cabin in Independence, owned by the family for over fifty years. She never met a stranger and would strike up conversations with anyone within earshot'even if they didn't speak English. Judy loved to laugh and spend time with her sisters, and cared for everyone. Judy would tell you her two greatest achievements were her children. She worked for 44 years at Rockwell Collins and adored her co-workers, retiring in 2020, hopeful to travel more and spend time with family.
She is survived by her daughter, Kelly; son, Sean (Ivy Martinson); siblings, Patricia (Terry) Newman, Sandra (Raymond) Wasek, Margery (Kenneth) Stodola, Thomas (Rhonda) Miller, Colleen (Thomas) Wolff, Dennis (Sheri) Miller, Connie Miller (Chad Griffith), and Karen (Edward) Sipfle; dozens of nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and -nephews; and dog, Diesel. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Judy's family will share a private goodbye together at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Private Mass: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 8, 2021, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church. Friends and extended family are invited to watch the Mass via webcast. Find the link and share your support and memories with Judy's family on her tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.
A Celebration of Life will be announced later through social media and will take place outdoors to alleviate coronavirus concerns.
Even after death, Judy wanted to care for others. She donated her corneas and body tissues to others in need through the Iowa Donor Network.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Smile Train or Iowa Donor Network.
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Oh my dear sweet Judy! I started at Collins at a young age, Judy and many others took me under their wings on Project Fusion. I became know as “the kid” to Judy and others. I of course needed a nickname for her in return so she became lovingly known as J Ro! Traveling with our project Fusion family to deploy SAP across Collins was one of my favorite memories of work and of Judy. She was so much fun! She’d light up any room she walked into with her contagious smile and twinkling eyes! Even after, I moved into other roles, I could always count on Judy to help me anytime I needed her. We and many other developed a strong bond of friendship along the way. I hope Cece will share some of the photos! She always took a group picture on our girls night out! Judy is going to be missed by so many! My heart breaks for all of her family. May you find peace and joy in your memories and keep the stories going about such a wonderful soul! Forever my dear friend! Love you Judy!!! “The Kid”
I worked with Judy for many years at Collins and had the pleasure of traveling with her for several projects. She was so much fun and so easy to talk with. And I always knew she was telling me what she really thought! Judy will be missed my many! My deepest sympathy to Judy’s family.
Judy was always a pleasure to work with, I was lucky to travel with Judy for business to Ireland and we went to Belfast and had a great time. She was always watching out for others. Her knowledge of the systems and willingness to help others.
Hi worked with Judy for nearly 20 years in E-Business at Collins. We traveled together on many projects and had so much fun…even when we were working. She was always laughing and very, very smart. She always looked out for internal customers!! She always put others first. I will miss her immensely!! My deepest sympathies to Judy’s family.
I met Judy 20 years ago when I started my career with Collins. I spent time with Judy in the office learning all about procurement and sitting around a table learning about life while on travel. Judy was always so patient with me and always greeted me with a huge smile. She was a wonderful soul and I am heartbroken to hear of her passing. Judy was loved and will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.
Hootie was big on patience, unlike some folks ; )
I worked with Judy in E-business and sat next to her. I will always remember her stories about her love for her family, her sisters who she was very close, her trips with her family, and her children who she was so proud of. You have so many wonderful memories to cherish.
Heaven is gaining some great people!! I worked with Judy at Collins for many years and loved her as a Collins buddy. Oh Judy – who is ever going to be able to figure out external route steps now!!! I also knew Judy from our mutual Independence river rat friend Marcia Henderson. It was always fun to run into Judy in a non-work setting along the river. God speed Judy – lots of fun people there in heaven with you
Oh Judy, you have touched so many of us. I have some wonderful memories. We laughed a LOT. You baked treats to help raise money for animal rescue. You had one of the kindest hearts I’ve ever known. I added the picture of all you Miller’s. You can see the light shining in you all!! I will miss you very much my friend.
There are very few people in our world who are truly a good person. Judy was a good person. She was strong, she could be ornery, but everything she did was out of carrying. She was the wonderful Aunt Judy, who helped her nephews cover their the heads in shaving cream, or Miss Judy volunteering in classrooms. Kelly and Sean, she loved you very much and she was so proud of you. I am so honored to have known your mother as a friend, and I will carry a piece of her always. Julia
My heart aches right now. Judy was so kind and thoughtful. She loved braiding my daughters hair when we’d sit in front of her at basketball games. Judy’s family is in my prayers. We’ve all gained another angel.
Judy will be missed. She has past way to soon. It was a sad day when I heard this news. I worked across the cubical wall from Judy at Rockwell for five years. She talked a lot about her brothers, sisters and Kelly and Sean. She loved that family. God speed Judy Roedema. I miss your hugs already.
Thank you Judy, for the fond memories I will carry with me until we meet again. You were loved my many and will be missed by us all. “Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day”. That’s you.
I enjoyed every interaction I ever had with Judy. Awhole lot of great adjectives describe her: very smart, talented, funny, patient, fierce, sister, witty, faithful, loving, kind lady….. My favorite story that she told me was one of her and her children. She said when Kelly & Sean were little she wouldn’t let them have ice cream and therefore they didn’t know anything about it. Until one day one of her sisters took the kids to get ice cream and when they came home they were raving about the wonders of ice cream to their mom like she had never had it before either. She laughed & laughed at that story. There were quite a few life lessons to be learned from sweet Judy. She will not be forgotten
I have known Judy for 20 years too, I was part of the team that came from Mexicali, Mexico to learn about SAP. Like Tom Lage mentioned, in Mexicali Judy was the person to help in purchasing, and everybody loved Judy, she was the nicest person and always kind and helpful with a big smile. Sandra mentioned that we had our “girls group” and we get together when we can and it was always a lot of fun to listen to Judy’s stories, like Jackie said. I am sharing some pictures, one is a table full of desserts. Judy used to remember this day because we all went into a sugar coma, and had a wonderful time (never did that again). Judy will be missed but never forgotten. I am keeping all her family in my prayers asking God to give you the strength you need in this difficult time. Cecy Sanchez
I remember one time we were in England for work and went to Windsor castle together. We both had our tickets, I passed mine over and then she did. The older gentleman taking tickets, points to Judy and says, ‘now missie, there will be no swinging on chandeliers or sliding down bannisters’. She was so flummoxed about why she was singled out. We teased her about that for a long time. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. She will be missed by many.
I was there for that trip to Windsor. Always a fun time!
LOL I know why he sougt/singled her out! It’s her smile, rosey cheeks & ginger looking hair (she just looks as if he should tease her about it) Chris G
To All of my Miller Cousins, spouses, kiddos, and their Friends, Judy lived loving life! She always seemed to be smiling! All of you share a Strong Bond which is why the grief you feel is so overwhelming right now! It is the LOVE Judy shared with you that needs to be cherished. Share and laugh about the numerous priceless memories all of you have! Remember her laugh while retelling/embellishing the stories. She will never be forgotten! One day we’ll meet up with her again in Heaven. May God bless all of you with peace! Love, Lisa Tow
You will always be remembered by those at Collins in the UK for your time here for our SAP transition. You taught us all so well at the same time as making us laugh so hard that we cried! Time spent with you is time I will never forget. Love always xxx
Our deepest sympathies to Judy’s family.
Dear Kelly & Sean; Your mom was a very, very special lady. I worked with Judy for many years at Collins and if ever there was someone who could be trusted and bring comfort to a room of anxious managers and frustrated folks, it was Judy. It was truly enjoyable working on the alignment projects knowing Judy always kept her word and her work was always reliable. Judy always had a smile and would listen with her heart. We were blessed to have known her. All our condolences on this loss, may God in Heaven enjoy her company, until we meet again. Paul T Gibbs
Judy Was & Always Will Be One Of The Shining Stars In Our Class ,Now In Heaven…Her Love Of All Our Classmates Will Never Be Forgotten & Will Be Greatly Missed. She Helped With Doing A Few Special Projects In School ( Like The Class Bios Sr Yr, Helping Collect Money For Maureen Our Jr Yr & Of Course Prom & Homecomings). Judy Always Had Time To Help When Needed & Did So With A Smile. Now She Is With The Other Classmates Whom We Love & Miss So Very Much . Rest With The Rest of The Class & Please Them Our Love. We Will Remember You As We Remember Them..Always & Until See Are All Together Again. We Love You Rest Well Our Class Newest Angel.
Judy was the sweetest and kindest person to everyone. Always willing to help anyone. She will be missed.
Judy was a delight to work with. I could count on her expertise to help me through difficult system issues. We would laugh our way to a solution. Prayers for the family
I am so saddened to hear of Judy’s passing. She was always such a delight to work with and she could brightened any room with her infectious smile and laugh. My thoughts and prayers to her family during this difficult time.
My heart is beyond sad. We worked together on many projects and even after the projects ended, we’d get together for lunch every few weeks. She was charming, funny, caring, perceptive and the best example of a friend you could ever hope to find. She would call, send an email or card when you least expected but most needed it. Her foresight was impeccable and I wish I had called the last time we ran into each other. I will miss you, Judy.
So very sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. We worked together years ago; she was always a fun loving lady. My sympathy to the family; rest in peace Judy.
I knew Judy from Rockwell Collins working world. Always willing to help you out. My sincere sympathy to her family.
One of a kind & one of the best. Absolutely a blast to work with, Judy will be so missed by so many.
Judy was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. She made every day at Collins better.
Thanks for the SAP memories at Collins Judy 🙂
She’ll always be Judy Miller to me. One of the nicest girls/woman I ever had the pleasure of knowing. If you weren’t smiling and laughing after talking with Judy, you weren’t paying attention. God’s peace Judy Miller ☘️ Tom Kenney
I worked with Judy at Collins, not as closely as some, but I still looked for opportunities to talk to her because I always left feeling better. She was knowledgeable and not afraid to express her opinion, but she was always nice about it in the end. She made the world a brighter place, and she is missed. My condolences to all her family and friends.
Our oldest son Michael Cimprich was a classmate with Sean. It was a small class, and so us parents had lots of interactions throughout their school years. There were lots of birthday parties, basketball games (Go Jaguars) Christmas programs etc. and Judy was always involved, always nice to talk to and an obviously good person. I remember one time, she mentioned spending time at the cabin, and that there would be a big sheet pan of banana bars in the fridge to snack on. Guess what: we now often have that “same” pan of banana bars in our fridge. God bless you all and our sincere condolences. Mike, Robin, Michael, and Matt Cimprich
Oh my, I am so sorry to hear this. I will remember Judy for her kindness, her winning smile, and her acceptance of all. Prayers and blessings to her family. Terry McDermott O’Kane
Judy brought so much joy and laughter to our lives. We will forever cherish the memories and never forget her! Wishing you peace and comfort,
I was friends with Judy from grade school through high school. Although I didn’t see her often since graduation, we always got together at high school reunions for a long talk. Our next reunion won’t be the same without Judy.
Judy Miller, what a shining light! She was the happiest kindest person!! Her smile said it all. Regis class will miss her! I am so sad about her passing. My sympathies to Kelly, Sean and the Miller family.
Judy you are with Our Lord now. May you be at peace. My blessings and prayers have always been with you. Love, Craig
I had the pleasure to work with Judy over many years.. I’ll always remember Judy as a incredibly passionate and fierce advocate of her colleagues and friends. Judy never met a stranger, always engaging and making a positive impact on all of our lives. She was a true friend to so many and the memories she leaves us are a tribute to her. Rod
Our family is so sorry for your loss. We have so great cabin memories of Judy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
This girl was a peach, gem, loyal, kind, happy, smart, funny, strong, mama bear, loving, and in our ❤️ Forever! Love you Judy bear! 💯xoxo
Love you Judy. Janet
Being in the same workspace I have had many interactions, memories, with Judy at several levels. We had healthy aurguments for days that helped to grow at work and made us bond tighter. We had a good laugh later to the way we reacted in some cases. She is very affectionate once you know her and always extended her hand to anyone for emotional comforts. She was brave and a fighter for a cause and took it to any extent if someone in her circle was unjustly deprived of. She was very supportive and went out of her way to help. I miss you Judy. My condolences to her family and near and dear . May God give them the strength to cope during this difficult time. Sagar
Rest in Peace my dear friend Judy.Love you..Beth
I had worked with Judy for many years at Rockwell Collins. She was my go to person for SAP procurement. No matter how difficult things got, she could always make you laugh at the end of the conversation. Taught me a lot. She will definitely be missed and never forgotten! My deepest sympathy goes to Judys family. Brad
Always had a beautiful smile! May perpetual light shine upon her
Judy you are special. I never left a conversation with you without feeling better. I will miss you and your smile. Eternal Peace, Kurt
Like many others who have written, I met Judy through work at Collins, and the working relationship naturally grew into a friendship. Judy made every interaction with someone a positive one. She was somehow brutally honest without ever being brutal. No matter how busy she was, she would always take time to help and to brighten someone’s day. We had many wonderful girls’ night out over the years. Seeing the photos Cecy shared, it looks like we had been getting together for 15-20 years, up until our last gathering before the pandemic shown here. Judy would share loving and often hilarious stories about her family. She would invariably have the whole group of us in full belly laughs at some point. Judy will be deeply missed. My deepest condolences to Kelly, Sean, and the rest of Judy’s family.
Judy and I were friends since high school and recall a lot of good times! She had a car named Chuck and we traveled the streets of CR and also had gotten lost on one of our adventures trying to find Lake McBride. Even after graduation we would get together for “girls luncheons” that could possibly go into dinner time! We were on the class reunion committee and it was like old times just picking-up where we left off. We had lots of fun and laughs during the planning meetings. She would smile as her duties started piling up after each meeting and as the event grew closer. She was a loving mother, sister, aunt and good friend to many. My heart breaks for all of her family, friends and those who had the pleasure to know her. May you find peace in your memories and keep the stories alive about this wonderful lady!
My deepest sympathy to Judy’s family. Judy and I worked over the wall from one another on the Rockwell Collins IT Center of Excellence. She taught me a lot about closing down purchase orders, and we had some good laughs. I know my Dad, Darwin Coleman, took the news of her passing hard. He went on many work trips with Judy and they had a lot of fun. She is gone too soon, but will be watching over everyone she loved.
I worked with Judy many years ago, but when I would see her, it was as if we never worked apart.. she had the best smile.. my sympathies to all who loved her..
In honor of Judy! always fun to be around… and such depth of knowledge! This tree lives on in your memory.