MCLEOD, Judy Nadine

The Record-Courier 1 Nov 2012 On Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, Judy Nadine McLeod, 71, of Baker City, Ore., left this world and was greeted with open arms by the spirits of her loving family and friends, as she ascended into Heaven. Judy died in her home, surrounded by her family. In the final days of her life, she was comforted to know all four of her children and many grandchildren were at her bedside. Her primary care givers, her loving and dedicated husband, Ron, as well as her equally dedicated daughter, Sonya, were always at her side. Judy was born on Sept. 15, 1941, in Soledad Calif. to the parents of Warren and Vestie Baker. Her fondest childhood memories were of her life in Jordan Valley, Ore., and the aroma of fresh baked bread made by her Grandma Boatman. When Judy was 18, she married and soon had four children. Her first husband disappeared and for several years she courageously supported her family on her own. In 1970, Judy met the love of her life, her pillar-of-support, her constant companion, Ron McLeod. They soon married and without hesitation, Ron legally adopted her brood of wild banshees. The man still smiles today. Judy had many successful careers: she began in the Medical Industry as a C.N.A. at Natividad Medical Center. She also worked as a Meat Wrapper for Safeway, a Bakery Deli Manager for Lucky Stores, and for a period of five years, she operated a day care in her home. Her life’s passion was rescuing and caring for all animals. Throughout her life, and in every capacity, Judy helped those less fortunate. Many people give testament that they would not be alive today if it were not for the love and support Judy unselfishly provided. Judy was also an extremely gifted artist. Given any image, Judy could replicate exactly what she saw while simultaneously giving the image a life, it lacked before her touch. Whether Judy had created another life-like portrait done with charcoals or painted another beautiful still-life, all were awed by her talents. It wasn’t an uncommon occurrence to walk into Judy’s home and listen to her family argue over which one of Judy’s painting’s they would be allowed to take home with them. Judy is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Ronald S. McLeod (Baker City, Ore.) and her four fabulous children: Warren McLeod (Virginia), Beth Canales, Ronald S. McLeod, Jr., (April-Life Partner), Sonya Delatorre (Julian). As well as Diana Monzo-(Padilla). Grandchildren: Amber, Cody, Devin, Crystal, Tori, Melissa, Kayla, Tonya, Juliana, Kenny, Jett, and Kaitlin. Great-grandchildren: Kayden, Averi, Mile, Lillian, and Makayla. Siblings; Angie Twyman, Earl (Buzzy) Baker. Extended Grandchildren: Sheesh, there is just too many to name! Survived by some of her closest friends; Carla McDonald, Barbara Claxton, Joyce Beauther, Judy Clark, and Virginia Warsha. Pets; Champ, Coco, Brownie, Snow, Baby, Peek-a-boo, and all of the many animals waiting beyond the pearly gates for her. Visitation was from 4 –7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25, at Coles Tribute Center, Baker City, Ore. The memorial service was on Friday, Oct. 26, at 2 p.m. at Baker City Christian Church. Interment followed at the Baker City Cemetery. Reception was held immediately after at the McLeod Residence where Judy was celebrated and remembered for the beauty, life, and laughter she brought us all. There is a big empty space in our hearts that can never be filled and we want you back Mama. The family would like to thank the following people for the tremendous amount of love, support, and care you provided to our family, especially to Judy: Betty Shields, Bobby Neff, Ashley Dixon, Amber Waggoner, April Bennett, Seth P (Hospice Nurse), Dr. Schott, Dr. Lamb and many others. In Judy’s name, please send your memorial contributions to Coles Tribute Center, Baker City, OR. Proceeds will be donated to Best Friends, P.O. Box 183, Baker City, Ore. Coles Tribute Center accepted flowers for Judy’s service.