Judith Jean DeGraff, known by Judy to most, passed away Monday, August 17, 2026. Her life was one of family, love, kindness, service to others, faithfulness, and creativity. She never met a stranger, loved to talk to anyone, and was loyal to those in her circle. She also had a great inner strength and faith in Jesus that helped her persevere through the harder times in life.

Judy was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1946. She came early at just over two pounds to the delight of her mother Betty Andrews, father William Andrews, and big brother Scott. Little brother Bill would follow. After the Andrews family followed the railroad to Barstow for work, they remained where Judy would attend her schooling and grow up with much academic success.

After graduating from high school in Barstow, she went to work for the military as a civilian and was praised for her skill and organizational duties. She would later use some of these same skills to help others do their taxes and file important paperwork. In the same fashion, she learned to navigate the mental health system of California and helped others do the same.

While working in Barstow she met David Bishop. They would marry and have two sons, Brian and Mike. She took full glee in being a mom to two wild and crazy boys and later being a devoted grandmother to Morgan and Ben. When Mike and his wife Julie married in 1997, she gained a daughter as well. David and Judy divorced when the boys were young. It was while living in Bishop Judy met Ernie DeGraff. They married and made a life first in Bishop and then in Fortuna, CA. In both places, Judy was deeply involved in church organizations and service outreach. She loved being on the board of and cooking at Triumphant Life camp.

You can’t think about Judy without thinking about quilts. She was an avid crafter, a gifted artist, and a greatly admired hand quilter. Her crazy quilt won Best of Show at the Inyo County fair and went on to be judged at the state level where it also won Best in Show! She was proud of her hand quilting, and each stitch meant something to her. That needle was often helping to soothe a worry, imagine a new baby coming, or to just give the gift of herself. We, her family, are so thankful for these quilted treasures we have to pass down for generations to come.

Judy loved life, and it’s hard to mention everything she loved. She was an avid reader, an old movie viewer, a diet Pepsi lover, a part-time gardener, an RV traveler, a boy scout leader, a strong Christian, a volunteer and dog lover. She is survived by her husband of years, Ernest DeGraff, her son Brian Bishop of Fortuna and her son Mike Bishop of Loleta (Julie). She also leaves two grandchildren, Morgan and Ben. She also loved her sweet little dog Junior, who gave her great joy as her health declined.

Words on paper can never effectively sum up the joy that was Judy. The family would like to thank Fortuna Rehab and Wellness Center and Hospice of Humboldt for their care of Judy. A graveside service will be held at Fortuna Sunrise Cemetery on August 28 at 1 p.m. A celebration of Judy’s amazing life will be held December 12, 2026, the day after her 80th birthday. Time and place to be announced at a later date.