Judy Bach

Judy Kay Bach, age 75 of Pierre, South Dakota, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, on Friday, March 4, 2022. She was born to the late John and Maxine Lemons on April 6, 1946 in Alliance, Nebraska.

Judy is survived by her husband Dennis Bach of Pierre, her brother Jerry Lemons, his wife Sheryl, and their daughter Lori Stovall and her family (Liberty Township, OH), her three daughters and their families: Beth and Chris Ardissono (Bruning, NE) , Shelby and Robert Hackley (Monument, CO), Kelly and Shane Rippen (Culbertson, NE), and five step-children and their families: Travis and Sally Bach (Lincoln, NE), Justin and Jessica Bach (Chadron, NE), Stacy and Dan Beebe (North Aurora, IL), Cody Bach (Salt Lake City, UT), Kristen Yuetter (Bellevue, NE).

Judy graduated from Crawford High School in 1964, attended Chadron State College, and interned as a Medical Technician at St. Luke’s Hospital School of Medical Technology in Denver, CO. Judy married the love of her life Dennis Bach, August 24th, 1991 in Loveland, Colorado. They united their families and between the two of them, they had 8 children, 31 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Judy and Denny lived and worked in: North Platte, NE; Chadron, NE; and Pierre, SD. Judy worked at the American Red Cross for over 20 years as a Medical Technician and Phlebotomist, then worked at the Chadron Medical Clinic, in Chadron, Crawford, and Hay Springs, as a Medical Assistant and Lab Tech before she retired. After retirement, Judy and Denny relocated, in an effort to “follow the fish,” to Pierre, SD where they made some wonderful friends who became like family.

Judy was a bright spirit who brought joy to the lives of everyone she met.  She was an avid fisherman (woman) and enjoyed traveling, camping, and spending time with grand kids. She was their biggest fan and despite Covid regulations and long distances, she learned to use technology to watch games online. Judy also loved crafting and spending time with her craft buddies. She was a HUGE Husker Football Fan and LOVED the Denver Broncos, regardless of their records.

Judy was a generous, loving, free-spirited wife, mother, grandmother, friend and colleague. Her humor and infectious laugh lit up every room.  Even during her last days in the hospital, she had her family members and hospital staff smiling and laughing. Although she battled early Parkinson’s and rheumatoid arthritis for years, she never let anything hold her back and never once complained. Her legacy, sense of humor, and positivity will live on through her family and friends, who are forever grateful for all the laughs, precious memories, and wonderful time they spent with her. Judy packed so much life into 75 years!

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 2:00 PM at the Community Building in Crawford, NE. Pastor Steve Mallory will be officiating. A small ceremony will also be held in the summer to spread her ashes.