In Loving Memory
Judy Maxine Gower
June 3rd, 1943 - April 8th, 2025

Judy Maxine Gower, 81, of Willow Creek, California, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loved ones on April 8th, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer.

Judy was born in Columbus, Georgia, on June 3rd, 1943, to Mary Lenore and Marion Francis Parrott. She grew up alongside her brothers Marion “Buddy” Parrott II, Ronald “Ronnie” Parrott, and Donald “Donnie” Parrott.

In 1964, on her 21st birthday, Judy made the life-changing decision to move to Willow Creek, California, with her first husband, Gerald Chase, and their two young daughters, Tammy and Terry. Judy met Gerald when he was serving in the military and stationed in the south. After the passing of her first husband, Gerald, she later married her loving and devoted partner, Doyle Gower, on April 9th, 1968. The following year, they welcomed their daughter, Vicki, on April 19th, 1969.

Judy was well known in the community as the longtime manager of Coast Central Credit Union, where she helped countless people over the years, not just with banking, but with compassion, wisdom, and a generous heart. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone in Willow Creek who doesn’t have a story about a time Judy helped them. She was a friend to everyone she knew, including any stranger, and she was always willing to lend a hand wherever it may have been needed.

She was happiest when surrounded by family and close friends, especially her best friends, Sherron Racy and Margie Fleming. Judy and her friends made a lasting impression on the town in the 70s when they created their famous dancing group called the Willow Creek Flappers. This group of ladies were some of her closest friends whom she loved and adored and occasionally cut a rug with. Included were – Toots Rowland, Vonnie Gower, Sherron Racy, Ella Dobrec, JoAnn Bridges, and Sue Hodgson. Having a good time and putting a smile on others’ faces was an attribute of hers that never fell short.

Judy was devoted to her family like no other. From never missing a birthday to being the first to show up on Christmas morning. She was there when we needed to cry or even share our biggest accomplishments. She made the best deviled eggs and chocolate cream pies; not a single person who tried could compare to them, even when she gave the full recipe. She was, in simple terms, one of a kind.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Mary Lenore and Marion Parrott; her brother, Marion “Buddy” Parrott II; her daughters, Tammy Chase and Terry Chase; and her first husband, Gerald Chase.

She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Doyle Gower; brothers Ronnie Parrott (Barbara); and Donnie Parrott; daughter Vicki Baugh (Gary); grandchildren Gary Baugh (Alli); Mikayla Baugh (Hunter); Larry “Jr” Alameda; Jeremy Alameda (Lucy); Sheena Chase; and Cadilla Thomas. Great-grandchildren Damon, Tyler, and Peyton Bryant; and Jeremy Alameda Jr., as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Though we mourn her passing, we take comfort in the love she gave so freely, and the strong, beautiful family she leaves behind. We find peace and blessing knowing she is in the presence of Jesus, and we will get the opportunity to see her again. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at the Salyer Wayside Chapel in Salyer, California, on Saturday, May 31st, starting at 11 a.m.

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