Judith Faye Leavell

Judith Faye (Braun) Leavell, age 68 of Cortez, passed away unexpectedly on June 16, 2018 at Vista Grande Nursing Home in Cortez, Colorado. Judith was born on August 7, 1949 in Dickinson, North Dakota. Judith is one of six children. Judith is survived by her husband Donnie Leavell; her brother Kenneth Braun (and his wife Denise); sisters Audrey Smith (and her husband Larry) and Maureen Gomez (and her husband Vincent); sons Michael Barner (and his wife Amber), Dusty Leavell (and his wife Angie) and daughter Jennifer Hermanns (and her husband Charles); many grandchildren and one great granddaughter. As a child, Judith spent most of her time on the family farm in Dickinson, which her parents homesteaded. Each Sunday after church, the family would visit other family farms, having multiple adventures with her brothers, sisters and cousins building forts out of bales of hay, playing hide and seek, tag and getting into a lot of mischief. Earlier in her adult life, Judith attended and graduated from Cheney High School in Spokane, Washington. Judith attended Spokane Community College to receive an Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice-Corrections. Judith performed in many plays in the College Drama Club. Upon graduating, Judith gained successful employment at the Spokane Police Department in Spokane, Washington working as a juvenile detention officer. Later in life she met the love of her life, Donnie Lin Leavell. Judith worked for Southwest Memorial Hospital in the Nursing home for years where she met and befriended some of her life-long friends. Judith really enjoyed taking care of the nursing home residents. Besides caring for family, Judith really enjoyed fishing, hunting, taking motorcycle trips, camping and playing games. She also crocheted many beautiful Afghans, made beautiful dolls out of the bases of milk jugs, sewed, enjoyed Tri-Chem and embroidery on pillow cases and kitchen towels. Judith also enjoyed reading books and magazines. Judith also enjoyed all of her grandchildren and being an active part of their lives. She always encouraged all of her children and grandchildren to follow their dreams and passions. Judith always gave her family tough love and was the family rock. She had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. Judiths light always shined brightly, she was charismatic and extremely funny. We will all truly miss her. A memorial service will be held at St. Margaret Marys Catholic Church on Monday, July 9th at 10 a.m.