Judith Anne Richards Jones, age 83, returned home to heaven on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. Her passing was sudden but preceded by a beautiful outing with friends. It was a lovely and peaceful way to leave mortality to rejoin her much-missed husband, Paul.

Judy was born January 30, 1941 in Salt Lake City, UT to Wayne and Lucile Richards, the eldest of six daughters. She attended East High, where she met the love of her life, John Paul Jones, Jr. After a long courtship, they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 8, 1963. She graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Elementary Education. Her most cherished titles were “Mom” and “Nanny.”

Judy’s warm heart, bright smile, and comforting hugs will be missed by all who knew her. Judy loved life and was able to find joy throughout, whether as a young mother raising six children, or late in life when afflicted by crippling arthritis and a failing heart. A special source of joy was children, including her own children, her many grand and great-grandchildren, and all the students that she taught over the years. She also cherished and warmly welcomed all the spouses who joined and enriched our family.

Judy was a life-long learner and educator. Education, both secular and spiritual, were important to her. Within the home, she emphasized the importance of getting a good education and encouraged her children to do their best at school. She spent many evenings tutoring them to assist in this endeavor. She was a brilliant teacher and, after raising her own children, chose to share her love of education with third graders at Jordan Ridge Elementary. Personal growth and learning were important to her as well. She carried a book with her everywhere she went and loved participating in a monthly book club. She diligently studied the scriptures and enjoyed new insights she gained from them every year.

Judy loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and its promise of eternal families. She served her family and friends until her last days. She loved making meals for others, caring for her neighbors, and reading to those who couldn’t read. When she could no longer leave her home due to physical ailments, she still served others by sending cards, making phone calls (she never missed her grandkids’ birthdays!), and opening up her home to all. She also loved to travel and cherished her many trips across the globe. Her service as a missionary with her husband in the Boston Massachusetts mission was one of the highlights of her life.

Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul, her parents Wayne and Lucile Richards, her sister Barbara, and four brothers-in-law (Brian, Gerald, Brent, and Tony). She is survived by her six children: Michael (Heather), Mark (Sarah), Christopher (Melanie), Amy (Corey), Jonathan (Lissa), and Brian (Kerstin); 27 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren, and her four sisters Wendy (Ron), Alyson, Jill (Gavin), and Cherie, adopted sister Nadine, and the wonderful Jones family.

Special thanks from her family to all of her amazing neighbors and ward members who loved and served Judy so well. She loved you all so much.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 8, at 11:00 am, with a viewing from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 13112 S. 700 E., Draper, UT. There will be a viewing the evening of July 7 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT.

To view the service via zoom, please follow this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89801087543