Judith Bell (Shoars) Winders

Judith Bell (Shoars) Winders, age 74, passed away quietly and comfortably on Friday, August 31st 2018 surrounded by her family and pets at home. 

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 6th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with burial to follow in Linwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a Judith B. Winders memorial fund has been established.   

Born May 21, 1944 in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of the late Orville and Neva Shoars, she was the third of five children.  Her childhood was filled with family, friends and activities in the neighborhood surrounding 626 University Ave, Dubuque.  With her mother’s (Bandy) family nearby, there were always activities involving watermelon parties on the top terrace to fishing with her father.  Judy valued friends and family.

Always a musical talent, involved in her high school band, choir and orchestra, Judy appeared in a number of variety shows.  In 1962, Judy graduated Dubuque Senior High School and began training as a Radiology Technician. She worked at Galena Hospital until 1965.  Judy carried many high school friendships forward in her life and actively planned and participated in class reunions. She later in life bonded with her two small dogs, Boomer and Sammy, who provided much entertainment for her.

On February 27, 1965 Judy married William R. Winders and they built a family together for 20 years.  Though they divorced in 1985, the two developed a respect and friendship in later years through their continued love for their 7 sons, 22 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. 

Judy tirelessly focused her energy on raising 7 sons before returning to school in 1987, graduating from the University of Dubuque with a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in English and History and a teaching certificate.  She taught at Highland Community College and local junior and senior high schools throughout the tri-state area before moving into counseling as a case worker for Hillcrest Family Services.  Throughout her life…quietly…and sometimes not so quietly, Judy served the needs of her clients, students, friends and family.  She was an inspiration and a FORCE.  Her sons are the product of her love, devotion and persistence.  They are her legacy.

Judy was preceded in death by her mother, Neva L. Shoars (Bandy), father, Orville K. Shoars, brother, William Shoars, and sister, Norma (Shoars) Brien.  She is survived by her brother, Rev. Peter D. Shoars, Sr., sister, Mary Kay Shoars, sons: David (Kim), Daniel (Lori), Benjamin (Tina), Matthew (Misty), Martin (Stacey), Theodore (Linda), Patrick (Jessica) Winders and her warm-hearted nephew Joseph (April) Shoars. 

A special thanks is given to Jennifer, Jenn, Julie, Alisha from Hospice of Dubuque as well as Mandy, her personal care specialist. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.