04/02/2026
Judith Elaine Bennick passed away peacefully in her home in Ukiah, California,
at the age of 88 on March 13, 2026, while convalescing from a recent acute
illness.
Judith was born to Geraldine and Harold Anderson on June 28, 1937, in
Nashwauk, Minnesota. She spent her childhood in northern Minnesota with her
older brother, James. In their early teens, they spent many years in Detroit before
returning to the Iron Range in the 8th grade where she completed her education
at Roosevelt High School. She began work at many locations including the First
National Bank of Virginia, a local dime store, and a dry cleaning business.
After first meeting in high school, Judy later began dating Gerald (Jerry) Johnson
until they were married on June 29, 1957. The newlywed couple welcomed their
first son, Mark Francis, the following year. Pure joy beamed from Judy’s essence
and their happiness only grew when their second son arrived three years later,
James Robert. In 1964, Traci Lynne was born bringing with her the loving
excitement of having a daughter in the family. Judy loved being a mother more
than anything, often working part-time to be home with her children and filling
them with love that would ripple through future generations.
Mrs. J. was always in attendance at her son’s sporting events, from wrestling
matches to hockey games, cross country to football and tennis. She never
missed a chance to cheer them on with excitement and pride! Judy’s home was
always open to her children’s friends anytime ~ day or night. Family and
friendships were vital in Judy’s life. She loved family reunions and visiting with
beloved relatives from near and far. She cherished time spent with friends she
had nurtured since her high school days, those she made while her children were
young, and the many new friendships she formed on the West Coast.
Judy was a devout member at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Virginia. She
joyfully sang in the church choir for many years and eventually became a valued
member of the church’s Altar Guild, where she helped prepare each Sunday
service.
Growing up in a farming environment, her passion for animals led her to a job as
a vet tech with Dr. Duggan before employment at the local school district. She
began as an elementary school librarian and later held several roles at the high
school, working in the business office, the athletic department, and the resource
center. Judy devoted herself to others and it filled her with meaningful purpose.
Judy was a dedicated member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority since the mid-1960s
as well as PEO ~ Philanthropic Education Opportunity Chapter DX in 1974.
In the fall of 1980, Judy received a PEO scholarship to obtain a degree as a
Licensed Vocational Nurse redirecting her career into the medical field while also
raising Traci as a single parent. Judy worked in the Emergency Room, ICU and
medical surgical floor at Virginia Regional Medical Center for 20 years and spent
the rest of her career to the care of others.
In the summer of 1982, Judy met the love of her life. Raymond Bennick was an
instructor of Industrial Arts at Roosevelt High School and taught all 3 of Judy’s
children. They were finally introduced when Traci completed Raymond’s class
project of building a grandfather clock. Their relationship blossomed and their
love for one another was never ending. They celebrated their union on
September 15, 1984, and spent many years traveling on cruises, spending time
with the Bennick family in Winona, Minnesota, and driving across country to the
Anderson family in Eugene, Oregon.
Their whole lives became that much richer and more joyful when their grandsons
were born: Kyle in 1993, Parker in 1995, Jamie (through marriage) in 1997, and
their youngest, Brian, in 1999. Judy and Ray fully embraced their roles as
grandparents, spoiling their grandkids with love and memories. Being “Gma
Judy” was what gave her the most happiness in this chapter of her life. Often she
was the first to respond and post on the grandkids’ social media profiles or would
lovingly make their favorite dishes, especially during the special holidays spent
together.
After retirement, encourage by family to leave the cold winters of Minnesota,
they chose to relocate to Ukiah in 2007 to be closer to their West Coast family.
Judy continued her dedication as a Beta Sigma Phi Sorority Sister and PEO
Chapter NV in California. She kept herself busy through fundraisers and charity
events. Judy was also an active member of the Red Hatters Society in Minnesota
as well as in California.
Judith is preceded in death by her husband Raymond Bennick, son Kevin
Johnson, brother James Anderson, mother Geraldine Throneberry and father
Harold Anderson.
She is survived by Mark Johnson, Jim Johnson, Traci Williams-Barnes, son-in-
law Gordon Barnes, grandsons Jamie (Meli), Kyle (Fiona), Parker, Brian, and
great-grandson Luca. As well as her sister-in-law, Gloria Anderson, niece
Rochelle (Todd) Bradshaw, nephew Davin Anderson, niece Dawn Berg, nephew
Greg Johnson, brother/sister-in-laws Walter and Virginia Bennick, Tim and Anita
Bennick and all the beloved nieces & nephews in both the Bennick and Johnson
families.
Judy would never say ‘Goodbye’, but instead would say ‘Bye for now.’ A phrase
that rings true now as it always did when she was here. Until we meet again, she
lives through all of her family in the form of stories, love, and laughter. She will be
deeply missed, but her family is at peace knowing she is no longer in pain or
struggling.
Judy’s end of life years were immensely supported by her incredible caregivers;
Wendy, Jayne, Jen, and Emi, for whom we are all so grateful. Our family would
like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff of Adventist Health Ukiah Valley, Lodi
and Ukiah Post Acute. In addition, we are so thankful for the caring support of
Diane and Shelley at Hospice of Ukiah, Francisco at Empire Mortuary, and
Adriana of Matt Gibb’s Office.
A combined Celebration of Life for Judy and Ray will be held on Sunday, July 19,
2026, in the Clubhouse at Lake Mendocino Estates in Ukiah, from 1 to 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, a loving donation in Judy’s honor to Hospice of Ukiah would be
gratefully appreciated ~ Judy Bennick Family.
In the loving words of Judith Elaine Bennick,
Bye for now.
