Judith Lee (Thompson) Hayes Gundy

Judith Lee Thompson was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. She peacefully passed away on April 10, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. She demonstrated the heart of a lion as she faced this past year battling cancer and was calm as she focused her love while comforting each of us with the love of a mother. Her life of 85 years was spent loving her 7 children and 32 grandchildren and 95 great grandchildren. Her posterity continues to grow each year and carry on her legacy.

Judy was born January 19, 1940 to Robert Woodrow Thompson and Helen Inas Alcorn in Nampa Idaho. She was the eldest of three children. She is survived by her brother Mike Thompson of Nampa, and sister Susan Frank of Caldwell.

Mom was born near the end of the Great Depression and lived a simple life. Her father, Woody, worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as a welder working on engine boilers at the Round House in Nampa. Her mother, Helen, was a devoted homemaker and cared for her three little angels. Sadly Helen died in 1955 from cancer leaving her three children without her tender care.

Judy attended school in Nampa at Lakeview Grade School, Central Jr. High, and Nampa High. There she met and married her sweetheart Donald S. Jones September 1, 1956; the year after her mother died from cancer. After her mother's death she took over much of the responsibilities of caring for her family and taking care of their home.

Together Don and Judy were blessed with seven children whom they raised and taught life skills and lessons that helped shape them into successful and caring adults. Darrell Lee Jones was born November 4, 1957 in Nampa, Idaho. Shortly after, the family relocated to San Francisco, California to work for Don's father Ray in the family business at the American Typewriter Exchange. Andrew Saxton Jones was born July 9, 1959 and quickly joined his older brother in providing entertaining mischief to the joy of their parents. Katherine Lucille joined the family on December 10, 1960 and was a beautiful flower and brought smiles to brighten her family's lives. Glenn Allen was the final addition to the family's adventures in California and entertained the family frequently with his wit and humor. In 1963 the family returned to Idaho and Don took a position with Brotherton's Office Equipment in Lewiston where Rebecca Marie was born May 11, 1964. Becky was a happy baby and has always been a kind and loving influence on all that have known her as she bounced through life. A year later, the Jones family returned to their roots and settled in Boise, Idaho. The four older children quickly adapted to life and enjoyed frequent visits with Grandparents and Great Grandparents who lived nearby. Nearly seven years went by before the third and final daughter Helen Frances joined the clan January 10, 1971. Helen was a happy girl and loved to play games and entertain her five older siblings and provided valuable training in child care as the older children helped to provide babysitting, feeding and diaper changing for this new bundle of joy! We won't mention the time she hid and we thought she had fallen in the canal next to our home and got swept away...

Tragedy struck the Jones family in June 1972 when Andy drown in the Middle Fork of the Boise River while attending a picnic with friends. This was the greatest heartbreak a family can endure and the weight of this heartbreak was almost unbearable. It took time for each of the family to overcome this terrible loss. Andy's death left a hole in hearts of all our family.

The Jones family undertook a daunting challenge and adventure when the five acre farm on Duncan Lane was purchased the spring of 1973. Judy and Don worked tirelessly designing the new family fortress. Ground was broke and construction began. As soon as school ended the family camped at the site and worked daily to construct a beautiful home for our growing family. As Thanksgiving neared, the home was completed. The Jones Family began moving in and filling the home with their possessions and building new memories. A milk cow and chickens were added alongside a large garden which proved to keep lots of little hands out of mischief and we learned the lessons of hard work and pulling together as a family. We were shocked and grateful that Dad did not require mom's egg plants be weeded and cared for in the same manner that the remainder of the garden required. Dad factually stated, "If the egg plants do not survive, then it is an act of God!" None of us children ever enjoyed egg plant like mom did...

In the spring of the next year a ray of sunshine shone brightly on our family with the announcement that Mom was expecting a new baby. Ronald Saxton (Born July 7th, 1974) came bouncing into our lives and this final addition to our family helped fill a loss and void in the lives of our family. Ron was a calm loving influence as he helped our hearts heal from his older brother's early departure. Sharing Ron's joy of exploration of his world brought laughter and joy to our welcoming arms and hearts.

Judy was an extraordinary seamstress who created wearable items and quilts of many flavors and colors for her family. Her seven children knew well the sound of a sewing machine as it clattered along rapidly bringing fabric to life for some deserving child. Later mom worked as a professional seamstress providing alterations and craft to provide additional income for a growing family. She worked for Baird Dry Cleaners and specialized in furs and leathers creating fashionable clothing and goods. She also worked part time at Falk's ID in downtown Boise in alterations. She shared her lifelong sewing skills at the Bazaar Dept. Store, Dahl's Big and Tall and concluded her working career at the Bon' Marche in the Boise Towne Square Mall where she retired in 2005. She continued offering her skills as she operated her business "Little Sew-N-Sew" for many years helping friends, family and referrals. If it could be made from fabric, she could make it and did it with amazing talent. During her retirement years Judy handmade more than forty quilts to honor and celebrate young men and women who served as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was proud to help honor and support those who shared the message of Jesus Christ to those who seek Him.

Judy was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after joining during her time in San Francisco. Six months after Glenn was born the family traveled to the Idaho Falls Temple where we were sealed as an eternal family. She served in numerous capacities throughout her life. She was a registered as a leader with the Boy Scouts of America for over 20 years, serving as a Den Mother, Den Leader Coach and Scout Committee member. She served as a Primary President, counselor in multiple presidencies, and assisting in youth programs her children were involved in. She served numerous times as a volunteer in schools her children attended and in later years to grandchildren or youngsters she lovingly adopted. She was a member of the American Business Women's Association and enjoyed helping others find happiness in serving one another in worthwhile goals.

Judy Lee, as she was referred to by family members, loved homemade ice cream, fresh bread she baked for her family, German Cold Slaw and homemade cookies. She enjoyed tacos and taught all of her children to make and share them as that was one of our family favorites. Chocolate is a staple in her home and added an accent to many desserts. Judy is a wonderful cook and taught her children to be comfortable and proficient in the kitchen.

Judy married Don Ralph Hayes in June of 1983 and together they built a small cabin get-a- way in McCall Idaho where they could spend time enjoying the outdoors and companionship of family and friends who shared in their joy of the sights and sounds around McCall. Many of the Grandchildren have fond memories of camping, swimming and sightseeing with Grandma and Grandpa Hayes in McCall. In July of 2007 Don Hayes passed away from the effects of cancer.

In August of 2017 Judy married Jack Gundy, a childhood friend. Together they have laughed and cried at the challenges that aging brings. They have taken turns nursing one another through the past few years. Jack has been at her side through her battle with cancer and has lovingly served her daily as best he could. We are grateful for the companionship and service he has provided these past years.

Mom loved visits from all her children, adored time with Grandchildren and giggled with delight as Great Grandchildren were introduced to "G-G" (Great Grandma) as she fondly referred to herself. She lived for pictures and memories sent to her on her GrandPad and checked it daily to see where on the planet her posterity was venturing. She loved to travel and missed that in recent years with age and health challenges.

Judith Lee Hayes Gundy is survived by her husband Jack Gundy, her children: Darrell (Lynn) Jones, Kathy (Bill) Wagamott, Glenn (Lisa) Jones, Becky (Dan) Fukes , Helen (Chris) Goff, and Ron (Cara) Jones. She has touched the lives of her 32 Grandchildren, and 95 (and counting) Great Grandchildren. She is also survived by her Siblings Mike and Susan.

She was preceded in death by her son Andrew Jones, her husband Don Hayes, her parents Woody and Helen Thompson, granddaughters Crystal Leen, Ali Jones and great grandson Easton Jones.

Judy our loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and seamstress extraordinaire, will be remembered and missed for all the love, kindness and service she gave throughout her life. We are confident knowing that she is reunited with loved ones, and once again in her mother's loving embrace. We express love and gratitude to her children and family and all who have helped her and us navigate this journey we call life. We love you mom!

Funeral held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 10 am Monday April 21, 2025 Memorial service held at 1500 Smith Ave, Nampa, Idaho.

(Judy's interment will be in Kohlerlawn Cemetery located at 76 6th St. N., Nampa, Idaho)