Judith Pepper

Judith Ann Jones Pepper 74, of Surprise, Arizona peacefully passed away with her family by her side, February 17, 2016. Known by all that know and love her as “Judy”, was born in Onawa, IA and raised in Moorhead, IA April 1, 1941 to Russell and Inez Jones. The youngest of two, Judy was involved in many activities growing up. She showed shorthorn cattle in boys 4H (livestock raising) and participated in girls 4H (homemaking), with entries in the County, State, as well as the well-known Aksarben Stock Show in Omaha, NE. She won many champions, a great accomplishment for a young girl at the time. She was in the orchestra, were she played the tympani drums, was drum majorette for the marching band. She was also involved in school musicals, as Judy was well known for her angelic voice. She started singing at the age of 10, a joint love of both her and her father who himself was in a quartet. Judy competed in many singing competitions and won many honors statewide. With her prowess as a singer, she sang at a wedding nearly every weekend and she became one of the original “Wedding Singers”. Judy graduated high school in 1959, and went on to attend Morningside College. As a member of the music program, she sang in many productions over the years, both in choir, as well as musical theater. Judy met her husband at Morningside College. After School the two of them were married June 9, 1962. Judy and Jim have one daughter born in June, 1963. Throughout Judy’s life she was involved in many activities, especially if it had to do with her biggest love: Music. She sang with Sioux City Woman’s Club Chorus, the Sioux City Symphony. She played “Bridge” with the same group of ladies for years, along with lady golf groups throughout the years. Her devotion to her family, as a supportive wife, and mother she spend many hours running errands, planning events, and parties, and many horseback riding lessons, dance and girls....etc. She spent her life supporting and taking care of her family; she was truly an amazing woman. Moving to Arizona in 1984 to be closer to family, she returned to work in the medical field as an Office Manager/Insurance billing. Retiring in 1998 and moving to Arizona Traditions in Surprise. She enjoyed many of the activities the community has to offer, and was very involved in Lady Putter’s. She spent her retired years like she had spent her whole life, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, daughter, friend, never missing a birthday or sports event. She is preceded in death by her parents, Russell Jones, Inez Jones, her brothers Charles (died at birth) and Harry Jones. She is survived by her husband James B. Pepper of 53 years, her daughter Benet O’Connor, husband Michael O’Connor, and her grandson Aiden O’Connor. She will be greatly missed and cherished for all time. Visitation will be noon-1:00 p.m. with funeral services at 1:00 p.m., Friday, February 26, 2016 at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center Chapel, 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, AZ.