The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Judith E. Prestegard, 83, of Cathlamet passed away at her home on May 1st with her family by her side. Judy was born on August 20th, 1938 to Lloyd and Lela (Clarno) Crippen in Sprague, Washington. She was raised in Eastern Washington before moving to Cathlamet in 1964.

Judy attended Colville high school and LCC in Longview. She was a stay at home mom raising her five children before beginning her career at Weyerhauser Credit Union. She retired in 1999 after serving as a loan officer for twenty years. Judy was a member of the Moose Lodge and Cathlamet Christian Fellowship Church.

Judy loved crocheting and doing Swedish Weave's. Every child and grandchild has a special blanket made with love from Grandma Judy. She loved wintering in Arizona enjoying her friends and the warm weather. She loved classic cars, riding in parades, gardening, canning, picking black berries, and most of all spending time with her family. Judy will be remembered for her devotion to the Lord, her love of family, and the twinkle in her eyes.

Judy married Robert Bron on August 28, 1954 in Colville and together they had five children. She married Rodney Prestegard on April 12th, 1986 and together they enjoyed travelling and spending time together in their motor home with their dog Bailey. After Rod's passing she reconnected with Jim Ellifritt in 2018 and they spent the last four years together on Puget Island and in Arizona.

Judy is survived by her sons Brian (Julie) Brons, Jamie (Kajsa) Brons, daughters Arlita (Bob) Schlecht and Tammy (Blair) Peterson, step-son Brad Prestegard; her partner, Jim Ellifritt; her two sisters Donna Kilgore and Georgie Rist; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Rod Prestegard; son John Brons, grandsons Derek Brons and Kyle Holland, step-son Ryan Prestegard and step-grandson Bryant Prestegard and her brother Bill Crippen.

Graveside services will be held Sunday, May 15th at 12:30 at Greenwood cemetery with a celebration of her life to follow at her home on Puget Island. Those wishing to donate in Judy's memory can donate to Seattle Children's Hospital. Dowling Funeral Home of Cathlamet is in charge of arrangements.