Judith Ann Goodhue

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Judith Ann (Judy) Goodhue, 77, on the morning of Monday, January 15th, 2024, surrounded by family in her home in Newton, Iowa.

Judy was born to parents Alberta Marie Piper and Vinton Wayne (Wayne) Piper on August 12, 1946, in Mason City, Iowa. In 1964, Judy graduated from Semco High School in Gilman, Iowa, where she was selected Prom Queen and a member of the Homecoming Court for her warm, kind character and her beauty. She was married to her first and only love, Robert (Bob) Goodhue, on February 6th, 1965, at Wittenberg Church in rural Jasper County, Iowa, and this year would have been their 59th wedding anniversary. While working at Maytag Corporation in 1967, she received the honor of representing the company as Maytag Queen.

Judy valued her family above anything else, whether it was putting in extra effort to make personalized birthday cakes or celebrating all of the important moments in the lives of those she loved. Judy’s humility was something to be admired, and she was cherished by all for her vibrance and her elegance. She loved to fill her days with gardening, reading, cooking, cross-stitching, and sharing activities with her beloved grandchildren. Another facet of her charming character was her fierce competitiveness in card-games with family, something many found surprising given her soft-spoken demeanor. Moreover, Judy displayed admirable strength and determination throughout her life, even through her long-fought battles with cancer.

Judy is survived by her two daughters.Terri Hansen-Blair of Shanghai, China, and Dana (Curtis) Burton of Newton, Iowa, her five grandchildren, Autumn (Levi) Burton, Eleanore Hansen, Isaak Hansen, Kennedy Ortmeier, Laurel Schoppa, and her two great-grandchildren, Amelia Burton and Samuel Burton. She is also survived by her sister, Pamela (Bruce) Fischer, and their son, Ryan, her sister-in-law Myra Goodhue, and her many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her loving husband, Bob Goodhue, and her parents, Alberta Piper Fyffe and Wayne Piper.

All who met Judy saw her genuinely radiant soul, full of warmth, light, and compassion. Everyone who met her felt drawn to her and loved her. Her family is comforted to know that Judy is at peace and reunited with Bob, her first love, life partner and soul mate. Judy’s family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations should be directed to either Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens at Project AWAKE, PO Box 321, Newton, Iowa 50208 or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105