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Judith Ann Finch passed away January 21st, 2022, surrounded by family at her home in Enid, Oklahoma.
Judi was born October 11th, 1950, in Shattuck, Oklahoma, second of three children to Marguerite (Brown) and John J. Vallaster, Jr.
On her father's return from war in Korea, the family moved, according to his Army assignments, around the U.S. and to Germany (3 years) and Canada (2 years). Judi was frequently 'the new kid' in school but adapted and excelled; she was bright, athletic, and artistic. Upon graduation from high school in Boulder, Colorado, in 1968, she attended Northern Colorado University in Greeley, CO, and The University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK, with a directive towards a degree in Art. When family moved to Dexter, New Mexico, she entered nurse training at St. Mary Hospital in nearby Roswell. She earned qualification as Registered Nurse and first practiced at the same hospital.
Judi married Gary Finch in Dexter, NM, at the Presbyterian Church, in 1971. Shortly after, the couple moved to Shattuck, where he worked as a field electrician. Children Kelly and Steven were born in 1974 and 1975. They later founded Precision Electric in Dexter and took residence in Roswell, where the children spent all of their school years.
In 1996, the couple sold Precision Electric, retired, and moved to Lake Breckenridge, TX. Marguerite Vallaster followed to nearby Breckenridge, and Judi began to take on a larger role for her care. Following divorce, Judi relocated to Lubbock, TX, in 2000 and resumed her nursing career at Covenant Hospital where she remained until retirement. Marguerite followed and took residence in a local senior community. Judi's first grandchild, Anna, arrived while Kelly and husband Rob Thibadeau were in England: Judi flew over to assist the new parents. On later arrival of a second grandchild, Elaine, Judi moved temporarily to North Carolina for the same mission and enable Kelly to complete her undergraduate education.
In 2014 Judi relocated to Enid to be near son Steven, new grandchild Cole, and family and to be active in Cole's upbringing. She became a resident cheerleader and sports booster. Judi was for many years a dog lover, usually owning a pair of Schnauzers at any one time until her last companion, Mack, a Cairn "terror."
She was an accomplished do-it-herselfer, usually having a home renovation or improvement underway or recently finished. Each of her children, nieces, and nephews possesses an heirloom-quality quilt from her expert hands, modeled on patterns passed down from her grandmothers. Judi was energetic, intellectually curious, and a lifelong reader. She was a devoted daughter and caretaker. She held opinions strongly and had the chops to debate in their defense. She was a "tiger mom" before the term was coined. She was a diligent nurse and an astute businesswoman. She was great company and is dearly missed.
Judi is survived by her children Kelly Thibadeau (and husband Rob) of Monument, CO, and Steve Finch (and wife Andrea) of Enid, OK; siblings Bill Vallaster of Jenks, OK, and Bob Vallaster of Chesapeake, VA; and three grandchildren, Anna and Elaine Thibadeau and Cole Finch.
Those who have gone before are her parents Marguerite and John J. Vallaster, Jr.
Her family having been by her bedside at passing, no service is scheduled. Her ashes will be placed in a favorite spot and a memorial placed with her parents in Shattuck. Judith Ann Finch had and lived a wonderful life.
Condolences may be made and memories shared at www.ladusauevans.com.
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