Judy Middleton

Judy Walker Middleton of Orem, Utah, passed away Monday, May 16, 2016 in her home after a long struggle with cancer and other health issues.  We are comforted that she is now with family and loved ones she has missed dearly.

Judy was born July 31, 1949 in Lehi, Utah to Bernard (Bernie Walker and Edith Powell Walker.  She was the only girl smack in the middle of 5 boys.  Judy loved her family dearly.  The family included Lynn (recently deceased), Kay, Terry, Judy, Tony, and Troy.

Judy grew up at 1300 N. State Street in Orem, Utah where her family had a home behind the multi-generational business of Walker Produce and Fruit Stand.   The family grew up working hard to help the business.  Judy said of her parents, they were the two of the hardest working people she knew.  Their life was full of  running irrigation water, sorting apples, putting out smudge pots, running the fruit stand, and spraying orchards.  She loved the business and said, "We had a life of riches, not money."  It was not an easy life, but one she treasured.

Judy was a good student.  She attended school at Windsor Elementary, Lincoln Jr. High, Orem and Pleasant Grove High-schools.  At Pleasant Grove, she was head drill mistress of the Grovettes, a precision drill team.  She loved to dance and her Dad let her go to Church dances with her brother Terry as her chaperone.  Judy Graduated from Orem Highschool in 1967 and got her secretary certificate from Stevens-Henager.  She went to BYU in 1968 majoring in psychology.

She met and married Ron Hardin in 1969.  They are parents to Terry J., Kevin, Kambra, and Anjenette.  They later divorced.

As a single parent, Judy graduated with her LPN at Utah Tech.  Her nursing degree has been a blessing to her and her family.  Her work ethic followed her where ever she went and was always known as a thorough, hardworking person.  She was a nurse in Utah and  Arizona, retiring from the Utah State Prison in 2012 due to health issues.

She married her best friend Jerry Middleton in 1985 and gained 4 step children: Jennifer, Mark, Jerry Bret, and Rebecca.  They had a very fun and active household with memories of camping trips and parties.  Jerry passed away in 2008 taking a piece of Judy's heart with him.  They were sealed in the temple in 2009.  Judy's family is the most important thing in her life.  She loved being a wife, mother and grandmother.

Anyone who knows Judy, knows that she loves dogs.  Her dogs have been a big part of her life and she started rescuing pugs with Jerry.  They have been a source of friendship and comfort through her life.   Her other hobbies included decorating for holidays along with arts and crafts.

Judy has many friends who have blessed her life over the years.  Myrnn Stebner is who Judy called her Guardian Angel and best friend.  Myrnn has been there for Judy through all of her health issues.  The family thanks you for all that you have done for her.

Judy is an active member of the Orem Stonewood 3rd Ward.  She valued her church membership and her temple recommend.  Bishop and Sister Russell, Karen Foster, Sister, Reynolds, and Judy Funk and have been there for her.   She loves her ward family and can't begin to name all the wonderful people who have helped through the years.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, infant sister Patricia, infant brother Garn, husband Jerry Middleton, and most recently, big brother Lynn Walker.  Survived by brothers: Kay Walker (Maria Salas), Terry (Cathy) Walker, Tony, Troy (Lisa) Walker, and sister-in-law Carolyn Walker (wife of Lynn).  Her children:  Terry (Sandra) Hardin, Kevin Hardin, Kambra (Sheldon Sr.) Cooper, and Anjenette (Andrew) White.  Grandchildren:  Terah Hardin, Tyler Hardin, Stormy Hardin, Brookes Hardin, Justice Johnston, Liberty Johnston, and Joseph Cooper Jr.

Funeral Services will he held Tuesday, May 24 at 12 Noon in the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary Chapel, 495 South State Street, Orem.  Viewings will be held Monday, May 23 from 6 to 8 pm at the mortuary and Tuesday one hour prior to the services.  Burial will be in the Lehi City Cemetery, 1100 North 400 East, Lehi, Utah.