Judith “Judy” Van Zelf, 82, of Eureka, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2022. She was the second child born in her family and the last survivor.

Judy attended Lincoln Elementary School, Eureka Junior High School and Eureka Senior High School, and graduated in 1958.

Judy married Robert Van Zelf in October 1965, and was a stepmother to Bobby, Rene and Andy. After Judy and Robert divorced, she remained single the remainder of her life.

Judy began her career as a dispatcher for the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department in 1962. She took a leave of absence in 1966 and returned to work part-time from 1967 to 1974 as a Dispatcher, Clerk Typist and Matron. Judy served as a Matron in the Humboldt County Jail before there were any accredited female peace officers. Judy was one of only two Matrons who accepted the opportunity to attend the academy and became deputies. She was the only one to pass the Field Training Officer (FTO) test. Judy was hired as a full-time Matron for the Humboldt County Jail in 1974 and promoted to Deputy Sheriff in 1977. Judy worked as a Deputy in Detention until 1979 when she transferred to patrol. In 1988, Judy transferred to the Court Services as a Bailiff where she worked for 14 years. She retired on July 27, 2002, after 38 years of service.

Judy was a member of the CHP/HSCO pistol traveling team and competed on this team. They won many trophies which some of them are still displayed at the Peace Officer Hall in Freshwater.

While living in Freshwater, she was the caretaker of the Humboldt County Peace Officer Hall. There were many get togethers over the years with family and friends. Whether it was a birthday, holiday, baby shower, wedding, she loved to host them all. We all have fond memories of the parties that she hosted there.

Judy was a beautiful soul with a huge heart, and was a mother to all. She was a strong and very independent lady. Judy was always up for a good time. She enjoyed camping every year at Wages Creek and Ruth Lake with family. She loved playing Bunko. She was an avid book reader and could go through a book in one day. She loved to collect pig figurines and trinkets. We all knew what to get her for any special occasion. Anything with a pig on it or her favorite perfume, “Charlie.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Esther Anderson; her brother Robert (Bob) Anderson and his wife Jo Ann; her sister Joanne (Jo) Olsen and her husband Bud; sister Jeanette (Jay) Watkins; and her brother Charles (Chuck) Anderson. She is survived by her brother-in-law Gary Watkins, her 11 nieces and nephews, 21 great nieces, and 5 great great nieces and nephews. She is already missed so much, but knowing she’s reunited with her family makes it easier.

A celebration of life luncheon will be held in her honor on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 1 p.m., at the Humboldt County Peace Officer Hall, 2351 Freshwater, CA. Please bring your favorite stories that you have of Judy.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Judy Van Zelf’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.