Judith Easter

Judith Willis Easter, age 65, of Pocatello, Idaho passed away peacefully at Portneuf Medical Center, Sunday, September 14, 2014 surrounded by family and loved ones.

Judith (Judy) was born September 5, 1949 in New York City, New York to Ted W. and Dorothy M. Grantham. The family moved to New Jersey when Judy was four years old. She attended school in New Jersey and graduated from Red Bank High. She attended college for one year in New Hampshire. Judy returned to New Jersey where she met and married Ronald Willis in November of 1968. Two children were born to this union, Tina Marie and Tamara Lee.

Judy and her family moved to Idaho in 1976, where they bought a small horse farm. Judy continued to raise and show her Arabians, Thoroughbreds, Paints and Quarter Horses. Over the years she received many ribbons, trophies and awards. Judy and Ron also managed the Downey Fair Open Horse Shoe for many years.

She continued her education at Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho and graduated in 1985 with a B.A. Degree. She worked as a social worker for the Department of Health and Welfare until her early retirement in 2000 due to a disability.

She met and married Alan R. Easter in January of 2000. They continued to live in Pocatello until her death.

Judy loved all animals, especially horses, dogs and cats. She raised Himalayan and Siamese cats and Lhasa Apso dogs. She was a 4-H leader for ten years and especially enjoyed watching the kids compete in the show ring. Judy developed a "bucket list" after her retirement and took a creative writing class where she became known for her life stories. She took up singing and even won $50.00 once in a singing contest. She did volunteer work for CASA, the Pocatello Police Department and the Pocatello Animal Shelter. She also fostered many cats and kittens for the shelter and adopted a three legged cat from PAWS. She loved gardening, the outdoors, camping and trail rides. She also enjoyed entertaining family and friends at the many barbeques she and Alan hosted in their backyard. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, other family members, friends and her beloved pets, especially her faithful friend and companion, Rupert.
She was preceded in death by: her parents, Ted and Dorothy Grantham, husband, Ronald Willis, daughter, Tina Maria and one nephew, Tony Ferraro.

Judy is survived by: her husband, Alan, her daughter, Tamara (Rory) Quayle of Chubbuck, Id., granddaughters, Morgan and Kyra Quayle of Chubbuck, Id., sisters: Mary (James) Christopherson of Pocatello, Id., Dorothy (John) Ferraro of Matawan, New Jersey, and several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, September 19, 2014 at St. Josephs Catholic Church, 439 N. Hayes, Pocatello, Idaho. A viewing will be held from 6:30-8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 18, 2014 at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Rd., Chubbuck, Id. Interment will follow services at the Norton Cemetery, McCammon, Idaho. Condolences may be sent to her family online at www.wilksfuneralhome.com