Judy Ann Arnold, the only child of George and Doris (Burns) Venatta, was born January 31, 1935 in Milwaukee Wisconsin, and peacefully passed away at the age of 89 on Sunday, September 15, 2024 in Cedar City, Utah.
Judy spent her childhood in Wisconsin, but General Motors was calling her father to work. So the family packed up and moved to Torrance, California in the early 1940’s. This new opportunity gave the family the ability to travel, buying one plane ticket after another. Living her California dream, with the sun on her face, Judy started to explore the world with her family and friends. Buying one plane ticket after another.
At a young age, her first son, Ray, was born. After she graduated high school, she met and married Joseph Erwin, while working as a bank teller and raising her son. Together they had two more sons, Steve and Tim. Although their marriage ended, their love for their boys did not. Judy moved to Atlanta, where she started her career as the first woman to sell Aluminum metal. She left Atlanta and moved to Washington and returned to Downey, California in 1976, where she reconnected with her boys.
Judy continued to work in the metal industry where she met Frank Arnold, the love of her life. It was a match made in heaven. He was the laughter to her big smile, and they started their adventures. There was never a dull moment in their life. Judy and Frank left sunny California in 1991 and purchased their forever home in the small town of Cedar City, Utah.
She loved beauty in every way. She loved to travel and when asked what her most memorable trip was, her response was the African safari with her husband, Frank and her dad. After the death of her husband, she continued to travel with her friends. Life at home in Cedar City consisted of volunteering at the Shakespeare Festival, meeting new people at the Visitors Center, working with the church and helping in a women’s shelter. Everyone loved her smile. Judy loved the Lord, helping and serving at her church. She enjoyed sewing, puzzles, knitting blankets and clothes, and her flowers that were always blooming in the garden. Oh, let’s not forget the cats! She loved being with her family and her friends.
Judy’s legacy of love and adventure is carried on through her: Son – Raymond Erwin (Marilyn), Eleven grandchildren – Danielle Storey (Aaron), Nicole Barish (Matt) and Josh Erwin (Lissa), Jon Erwin, Mike Erwin, Allison Montgomery (Kenneth), Shelby Albert (Josh), and James Erwin (Dakota), Mike, Brian and David Erwin. Nine great Grandchildren – Nicholas, Christopher & Zackary Storey (Danielle and Aaron) Jackson & Madison Barish (Nicole and Matt), Lily & Noah Erwin (Jon), and Harrison & McKenna Montgomery (Allison and Kenneth).
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Frank, sons Steve and Tim, and stepson Terry. Judy will be remembered for her unwavering love, strength and kindness and will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Valley Bible Church, 4780 N Old Hwy 91, Cedar City, Utah 84720. Online condolences and memory photos may be left at: https://cedarvalleyfuneral.com/obituaries/judy-arnold.