Judy May Stickel

Hastings Funeral Home in Perry is in charge of arrangements for Judy Stickel, 73, of Perry. Judy passed away March 23, 2022 at Kings Garden Campus in Perry. Judy May Stickel of Woodward, Iowa, peacefully left this world at the age of 73 on March 23, 2022 at Kings Garden Campus with her husband Terry by her side. Judy was a bright spark in this world and will be missed by many. Judy was born to Bernard and Evelyn Brokaw in Des Moines, Iowa on January 16, 1949. She grew up in a family built farmhouse just outside Minburn, Iowa. Judy was involved in many activities throughout school including band, art, cheerleading and dance. Judy painted some very beautiful art years ago. When she was growing up, Judy was very fortunate to be able to travel to 48 states with her parents, camping the entire time. She was lucky and took 9 different friends with her and her family on these summer trips.She graduated from Central Dallas-Minburn in 1967. Judy worked many jobs throughout her life, employed at The State Hospital School (now known as Woodward Resource Center) where she worked for many years. Due to a back injury incurred on the job, Judy had to leave that profession. Before retirement, she spent 19 years as an Executive Assistant at Woodward Academy and part time at the Methodist Church in Woodward for a year and a half. The last two jobs were definitely the ones she enjoyed the most. It was the people she worked with that made her "work" so enjoyable. The feeling was mutual for sure, as if you ask anyone who worked at the Academy with her, they would tell you what a wonderful, caring person she was. This quote by Washington Irving says it best, "A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles." Judy had one of the kindest hearts there is. Judy had one daughter, Kimberly, born in 1979, who she raised by herself, striving every day to be a great mom. She was a devoted and dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her daughter and embraced every moment with her. She especially loved her role as "Grandma Stickel" when her grandchildren entered the picture. Judy met the love of her life, Terry Stickel, in July 1997, just after Kim graduated high school. They were married on July 10, 1999, surrounded by close family. Judy and Terry celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary last year. Judy enjoyed drinking coffee and bird watching with Terry, going to garage sales (especially the Highway 141 sales with Kim and grandkids), watching television, and cracking funny jokes when you least expected it. As soon as she became a grandmother, spending time with her grandkids became her favorite thing to do. She also had a deep love for all animals and had many beloved pets over the years, all but one of them she's been reunited with and is spending time with right now. Judy is survived by her husband, Terry Stickel of Woodward; daughter, Kimberly (Derick) Price of Lakota, Iowa; stepdaughter, Barbara (Willis) Newby of Chattanooga, Tennessee; stepsons, Joseph (Abby) Stickel of Waukee and Tony (Abigail) Stickel of West Des Moines; eight grandchildren (Landon, Olivia, Thomas, Alexis, Katherine, Diego, Skylar, Gweneth); and one great-grandchild (Lorenzo). She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Evelyn, sister Rhea, brothers Roger and Keith, and Larry and Mary Stickel (Terry's parents). Judy loved fiercely and deeply and we take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace surrounded by light. There will be a Celebration of Life in her honor on Sunday, May 1st ("Judy May" Day) at the City Park in Woodward, Iowa from 11am-5pm. All who knew Judy are welcome to attend and participate in celebrating her life. Previous Events Celebration of Life MAY 1. 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM (CT) Woodward City Park Woodward, IA 50276