I met Judy briefly, but left a lasting impression on my heart. She was one of a kind and some of us can only hope to have half the courage and tenacity that she had. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Melinda, R.N. Submitted by: Melinda Shackelford of Clarinda,IA -- momofkandk@gmail.com -- 11/1/2009

My thoughts and prayers are continually with all of you. Judy had been so brave through her illness. She was always so positive and had a smile. My sincere sympathy to you and your family. Submitted by: Sherry (Greenwood) Hambsch of Shenandoah,Iowa -- shambsch@heartland.net -- 11/1/2009

Judy has been considered a part of our family for many years, she will forever be in our hearts, it makes me feel better knowing she will be watching over us. She was a fighter and a true inspiration. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family. Submitted by: Teresa Sheffield Risser of Bedford,Iowa -- risser@mchsi.com -- 11/1/2009

Whenever I think of my happy childhood, the pictures that come to mind are of the times my sister and I spent with our cousins. Judy, the oldest of the bunch, was our fearless leader in many deeds. She led us through the timber, up the treehouse, out of quicksand, and even attempted to save us from an escaped convict (a supposed one spotted only by one of the younger cousins). In our eyes she could do anything; drive the tractor, play ball, shoot a shotgun. Judy''s good mood, her smile, and her sense of humor and laugh made anyone that had the good fortune to be in her circle of friends and family, indeed lucky. Today our little family here on earth is crying for our loss, but I know that Grandma & PaPa, Aunt Cleta & Uncle Willis, Aunt Martha & Uncle Wayne, and Aunt Jack & Uncle RD, are smiling in heaven listening to one of Judy''s stories. Submitted by: Debbie of Bedford,Iowa -- dpowell@bedford.k12.ia.us -- 11/2/2009

Tracy, Tricia, & Family I have good memories of working with your mom through 4-H. She was an inspiration to me. I'm thankful for the opportunity to know Judy, as well as you girls. Your Mom was very proud of you both. You are in my prayers. Submitted by: Barb Dunsdon of Tabor,Iowa -- gdunsdon@iowatelecom.net -- 11/2/2009

Tracy and Matt and family, Our prayers and thoughts are with you. While we never got to know your mother, Tracy, we know she has a wonderful daughter named Tracy and son-in-law named Matt. May God keep you close and joining the Saints in Heaven on All Saints Day speaks for itself! Submitted by: Mary Ann & Steve Messer of Mt. Pleasant,Iowa -- reno@lisco.com -- 11/2/2009

Good Bye, Good friend, I will miss you! Submitted by: Judy Blackmon of omaha,ne. -- mikeandjudyb@tconl.com -- 11/2/2009

What an amazing woman. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family and circle of friends. Submitted by: Lisa Vetter of Red Oak,IA -- lvetter@good-sam.com -- 11/2/2009

Dear Merrill , girls ,and all the Slump Families: There are no words to ease the pain of losing your loved one. Just know that you are in our thoughts. Sincerely, Mary and Don Gohlinghorst and family Submitted by: Mary of red,ia -- gohlinghorst@heartland.net -- 11/2/2009

Jody and Families...we are sorry to hear of your loved one's passing. We only know her by name on the church prayer list, having prayed for her for quite some time. But we know how much her family loved her and will miss her. How happy Willis and Cleta must be right now! We'll be praying for you and thinking of you at this time. May God give you comfort...as only He can give. Submitted by: Al & Shelby Lawson of Maryville,MO -- lawson_shelby@hotmail.com -- 11/2/2009

To Merrill, daughters and all the family, we are sorry to hear of her passing. Words cannot express how I feel about you losing her. God Bless you all. Albert and Joan Selser Submitted by: Joan Selser of Red Oak,Iowa -- aljoselser@mchsi.com -- 11/2/2009

Merrill, Tracy, & Tricia, my heart goes out to you all. Judy was a great person, a great inspiration, and a great teacher. I know that Mom always enjoyed her "talks" with Judy, and they developed a comradery. She put up a good fight. She will be greatly missed by all. Submitted by: Bambi Byers of Greer,South Carolina -- ura1ab@bellsouth.net -- 11/2/2009

To Merrill, Tracy & Tricia & Family, Jody, Ed, Tim & Sam, A fond memory of mine is when Judy and sister Jody thought Larry & I needed a puppy from their litter. They were quite the sales gals and we ended up with a pup. We enjoyed him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today. Cordially, Larry & Peggy Lyons Submitted by: Peggy & Larry Lyons of Loveland,CO -- pjhlyons@msn.com -- 11/2/2009

To Delaine & Neva Slump, We are sorry to hear of your loss of a daughter in-law. Our prayers are with you at this time and many other times as well. Edwin and Betty Submitted by: Edwin & Betty Hascall of Coin,Iowa -- ebhascall@iamotelephone.com -- 11/3/2009

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. She was such a trooper through this illness. Even when she didn't feel well she always managed to smile when I saw her. She will be missed. Submitted by: Gary & Anne Christensen of Emerson,iowa -- AuntAnne@netins.net -- 11/3/2009

May you find strength in the people that care about you, and comfort in the memories that live in your heart. Judy was a wonderful wife,mother,teacher, and friend. Our love and prayers are with you. Colleen Gipe Submitted by: Colleen Gipe of Malvern,Iowa -- cgipe07@wildblue.netc -- 11/3/2009

My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. Tracey and Tricia, I am sure you remember me from the Dowden reunions when we were little. I just want you to know that we are thinking of all of you. Tricia, we live right outside of Des Moines, so do not hesitate to let us know if you need anything. Sincerely, Kolby & Rhonda Cross Beemer Submitted by: Rhonda Cross Beemer of Woodward,Iowa -- rhocross@hotmail.com -- 11/3/2009

Tracy & Tricia: I remember you and your mom from 4-H and dance with Kay. I so enjoyed your mom and her easy going ways, smiles and laughter. My thoughts are with you and all of your families. May the memories you have comfort you at this time. Submitted by: Jenni Burgoin-Comer of New Market ,I -- jenniferburgoin@yahoo.com -- 11/3/2009

Merrill, Tracy, Tricia and families, You are in our thoughts and prayers, so sorry to hear of Judys passing. Submitted by: Joanie Selser Zychowski of Holiday,Florida -- twinangel33333@aol.com -- 11/3/2009

It's been a long time since I've seen Judy, but I can still hear her laughter. We were such good friends in college - one of our favorite things to do was recite, word for word, the lines from "What's Up Doc"...her laughter was always contagious, her smile brighter than any other, and her commitment to friends strong. May you all find comfort in remembering that beautiful smile. Submitted by: Mary Sue Tompkins of Sacramento,CA -- mary.tompkins@live.com -- 11/3/2009

We first met Judy as a young teacher at Nishna Valley where she was a very big part of our three teenagers school experience and became their friend. We have admired her as a teacher, friend, community worker. And most of all we admired her "zest for life". Submitted by: Ron & Pat Curtis of Hastings,Iowa -- patc1940@wildblue.net -- 11/3/2009

Judy was on my volleyball league in Donia during the late 80's and early 90's. She was very competitive but like to have fun too. What a fighter through the last recent years. May she rest in peace and painfree. May the family remember the good times to get you through the tough days ahead. Submitted by: Shirley & Marlin Allen of Carson ,Iowa -- sallen@omahachamber.org -- 11/3/2009

This is my quick fix for today and I will try and find some addresses and send some notes later. I am so sad about your loss. Sincerely, Jean Kreager Hagedorn(my Dad's Mom was a Dowden) Submitted by: Jean Hagedorn of Newton,Iowa -- djhag@pcpartner.net -- 11/3/2009

Mr Slump and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Diane and Denny Stanton Submitted by: Denny Stanton of Clarinda,Iowa -- dpstanton8@hotmail.com -- 11/3/2009

Jody, Ed and Families, I am so sorry to hear about Judy's passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Submitted by: Greg Hartman of Redfield (formerly from Barnard),IA -- waybar@iowatelecom.net -- 11/3/2009

Tracy, Tricia & Merrill, I love you all and miss you all so very much! She is such a great loss and she will be missed dearly! Tracy, she was like my mom. I had 8 of them, we all did. It just breaks my heart to loose another one out of our family! You are in my thoughts and prayers. And even though I won't make it to the service, I will be there in my heart and spirit. I love you, Tracy, stay strong! It will get easier! I promise! With all of my love, Jana Reents-Basler Submitted by: Jana Reents-Basler of St. Joe,Missouri -- iamachocolatefrog@yahoo.com -- 11/3/2009

JUDY WAS A CLASSMATE OF MINE; SHE WAS VERY SMART AND KIND TOO EVERBODY IN SCHOOL.SHE ALWAYS HAD TIME TOO HELP IN SCHOOL IN ANY CLASS WE HAD TOGETHER AND BELEIVE ME I NEEDED HELP.THANKYOU JUDY YOUR FRIEND AND CLASSMATE DAVE COCHRAN Submitted by: dave cochran of burlington jct.,missouri -- intoitfishing@yahoo.com -- 11/3/2009

Probably no one has heard of me, but I am a cousin to Judy. I was sorry to hear of her death and want to send my sympathy to her family. To clarify, I am the oldest daughter of Delbert and Opal Dowden. Prays are with you as you deal with this difficult time. Submitted by: Cheryl Dowden-Parrott of Claremore,Oklahoma -- dowpar@sbcglobal.net -- 11/3/2009

My prayers are with you. God Bless, Judy Submitted by: Judy Coco (Selser) of Bellevue,NE -- jl_smiles@cox.net -- 11/4/2009

Merrill, girls and families......You are all in our prayers at this most difficult time. Judy and Pat Williams Submitted by: Judy Williams of Imogene,IA -- bullet51645@yahoo.com -- 11/4/2009

To ALL the family; So sorry to hear of Judy's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Submitted by: Shirley Ford Trumbly of Paola,Kansas -- trumblyracingfans@yahoo.com -- 11/4/2009

Memories of High School at Nishna Valley always include good times with "Miss Dowden". So many fun stories! I'm sure she will be missed. Submitted by: Janis "Costello" Anderson of Boone,Iowa -- anderson.p@mchsi.com -- 11/4/2009

Jody, Ed and the rest of the family. Our prayers are with all of you at this time. Judy put up a very brave battle. Find comfort in the fact that she is hurting no more and a grand Dowden reunion continues in heaven. I, too am one of the "cousins" who remember the fun times at those reunions. God Bless each of you. Beverly Porter Garrett (Evelyn Dowden Porter's daughter) Submitted by: Beverly and Gordon Garrett of Maryville,MO -- gb4ks9@gmail.com -- 11/5/2009

I will never forget the softball games, the parties and going for a ride in Judy's new red Mustang. She was so proud of it! Judy's fighting spirit was an inspiration to all of us. When Judy pulls out her ball and glove in heaven, those angels won't stand a chance! We'll miss you dearly. Submitted by: Jan Moutray of Barnard,MO -- jannyrae@grm.net -- 11/5/2009