Ellen Elizabeth Judd
February 21, 1938 to January 29, 2020

Heaven has gained another angel after a long battle with cancer.

Ellen was a gentle and kindhearted woman. She loved her family with a passion that held no bounds. Her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren gave her immense joy. All her grandchildren have fond memories of her singing to us as children and being comforted by her “squeaking” hugs. Her bright smile and positivity drew people near and created lasting friendships throughout her life. It did not matter to her if you hadn’t seen each other in forever, she would always bestow you with that beautiful smile and embrace.

Ellen was born to William and Monica Butler in Olyphant, Pennsylvania. Her best friends were her two brothers, John and Bill Butler. Her family moved to Niagara Falls, New York where she attended school and eventually met her true love, her husband of 60 years Robert Judd. Ellen and Robert moved to California where they raised their three daughters Debra, Lauri and Sheila. In the 1980’s, Ellen and Robert moved out of San Jose to enjoy the country life in Humboldt County. They purchased 40 acres in Bridgeville that had no running water or electricity. Living the country life was no easy feat. Ellen and Robert had to haul in water, use candlelight and kerosene lamps, watch television from a car battery, and use an outhouse. Their life on the hill was priceless.

After about ten years, they eventually decided to move closer to town, and moved to the Swains Flat area on Church Lane, where many years of fond memories were made. In November of 2014, they awoke to a horrible nightmare. Their beloved home had caught fire and they had lost everything. This event caused them to move into Fortuna.

Ellen was a fighter! Throughout the last few years, she had many health issues, but again, when you saw her, she always had that smile that could melt your heart. Ellen will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

Ellen is proceeded in death by her parents William and Monica Butler, brother John Butler and her sister-in-law Sandy Butler.

She is survived by her brother Bill Butler, nephew Patrick and wife Michelle, and great niece Elinor, all of South Carolina. Her daughters Debra Bennett and husband Kevin Wildman of Fortuna, Lauri Gomez and husband Cruz Gomez of Tracy, and Sheila Judd and her friend Mike McKean of Fortuna; her grandchildren Diana Bennett and husband Randy Church, Brent Bennett and partner Laura Svoboda, Shaun Wildman and partner Danielle Johnson, Jessica Moran and husband Jafid Moran, Daniel Gomez, Nicholas Rennie and wife Sarah Rennie; her great-grandchildren Jojo Church, Kasey Hackett, Aiden and Nathan Bennett, Daisy Wildman, Ahryn Smith, Connor Roberts, and Madeline Rennie.

We would like to give Hospice of Humboldt a special thanks for their care and support during this time.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 18, 2020 at the Fortuna Fire Hall from 1-5 p.m. If you would like to bring a dish for the potluck it would be appreciated but not expected. Thank you.