Judith "Judy" Ann McDonald Skay April 9, 1941 -- June 15, 2025

Judith “Judy” Ann McDonald Skay passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Walla Walla, Wash. She was born on April 8, 1941, at John McDonald Hospital in Monticello, Iowa, and grew up in the small town of Scotch Grove.

      Judy’s life was a vibrant tapestry of learning, creativity, and connection. She pursued higher education at Wartburg College, Buena Vista College in Iowa, and the University of Northern Colorado, where she earned a master’s degree in education. Her passion for teaching evolved into a diverse and inspiring career. It even led her to teach in a one-room schoolhouse near the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

      Judy lived in many places throughout her life, including Iowa, Germany, Colorado, Wyoming, and Washington. She traveled extensively across the United States and Europe, always eager to explore and learn. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to open her own catering business, become a private chef for Seattle’s business elite and own a small bakery business called Country Crumbs in Monticello. Her culinary talents were matched only by her creativity and her remarkable ability to connect with people, qualities that elevated everything she did.

      Judy was deeply involved in the communities she called home. She gave generously of her time and energy, diving into challenges with determination and heart. Her legacy is one of passion, service, and wholehearted dedication.

      She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother. She is survived by her two sons, Dan Skay (64) of Colorado Springs, Colo., and his wife Lynnette, along with their three children, Candice (husband Dan and two daughters), Jared, and Kaitlyn; Alan Skay (61) of Walla Walla, Wash., and his wife Lisa, along with their four children, Nathaniel (wife Hailey), Emily (husband Chris and three sons), Isaac, and Josiah.

      Judy’s warmth, wisdom, and unwavering spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

      A private family ceremony will be held later this year in the San Juan Islands of Washington to celebrate her life.