Judith Cox

A Funeral Service for Judy Cox, 78, of Ray, will be 2:00 pm Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Ray Lutheran Church in Ray. 

Judy passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024 at St. Benedict’s Health Center in Dickinson. 

Judith Elaine Cox was born on November 25, 1945 in Lewistown, Montana to Floyd and Lorraine (Lenling) Harris. Home for Judy was on a ranch thirty miles north of Lewistown, near the small ranching community of Grass Range, Montana. She attended the first grade at a small country school in Blakesly, Montana. She then attended grades two through twelve in Grass Range, graduating in 1964.

Judy worked at the Yellowstone Park Fishing Bridge during the summer of 1964. In 1965 and 1966, she attended Eastern Montana College in Billings, Montana. A change of interest brought her to a job at the Billings Chamber of Commerce in 1967. Judy changed courses again in 1968, when she decided to work as a stewardess for American Airlines in California.

Judy met Gary Cox in the early 70s, and the couple were married on December 13, 1974. They began their married lives in Billings Montana where they welcomed their first child, Michael, in 1978, followed by Brendan, in 1985. 

The family moved to Ray, North Dakota in 1989, when Gary became employed by Northwest Communications. Gary, Judy, and the boys made many friends in Ray. Judy enjoyed her role as a stay-at-home mom to her cherished boys. After Gary retired in 2011, the couple made several trips to Idaho to visit Judy’s sister and family. They also made a few trips to Montana to visit Judy’s brothers, sister and many other family.

Judy was a cancer warrior after being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018. She remained strong throughout her surgeries and treatments until the last year, when her body could no longer fight.

Judy was the kindest, most loving person you could ever meet. She tried to find the good in all people. She loved babies, kittens, her family, and friends, and she will be missed by all.

Judy is survived by her husband, Gary of Ray; her children, Michael and Brendan (Sara) of Dickinson; her grandchildren, Louis and Edison; her sisters Loretta and Patti (Jim) of Payette ID; and her brothers, William of Grass Range MT and David (Teri) of Winnet, MT; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Karen; infant brother, Michael; and aunt, Alice.