Judy Beckstrand Terry
Judy B. Terry
1946 ~ 2023
Judy Beckstrand Terry passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, August 7, 2023 surrounded by her seven children after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Although the disease slowly robbed her of much of the mental and physical capacity she once enjoyed, she always gave of herself to the very end. We will be forever grateful for her abundant smile, warm hugs, playful banter, quick wit and encouraging words. She will be sorely missed.
Judy was born in Provo, Utah on October 2, 1946 to Melvin and Virginia Beckstrand. She was the youngest child of five and spent her growing up years in American Fork where she met the love of her life, Mike Terry, as a senior at American Fork High School. They became an unstoppable couple and were married in the Salt Lake Temple on December 18, 1968, shortly after Mike’s return from his mission to Denmark. Mike and Judy settled in Alpine, UT where they raised their family and built lasting roots.
Judy loved being around her family and she took extra great pride in her 37 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. They were her greatest joy. She relished the opportunity to attend a grandchild’s game, concert, band performance, play, drill team competition or even a talk in church. She had a special love for her missionary grandchildren and prayed for them always and inquired often about their experiences.
Judy’s most impressive talent was her ability to love unconditionally and deeply. She loved easily and could see the good in every person. She had a gift for making all of us feel important. She also loved to laugh and knew how to have fun in any situation. We will miss her crazy faces, yummy hot dog mac-n-cheese, impromptu cousin dance parties featuring grandma’s moves, long hugs, arts & crafts, amazing bran muffins, made-up songs and Love At Home send-offs. She was pure joy!
Judy beautifully taught us that it’s okay to show emotion and to shed a tear or two when the moment calls for it (those Hallmark commercials got her every time). When she cried, we all cried.
The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the leadership and staff of Highland Glen where Judy spent her final months. We are eternally thankful for the wonderful, compassionate care that she received there. Thank you!
Judy is preceded in death by her late husband, Mike, her parents Melvin and Virginia Beckstrand, her sister Carol Allen (Merle) and her granddaughter, Pearl Standifird.
Judy is survived by her children Angi McGrath (M’Kay), Matt (Angie), Jason (Jen), Jenny Call (Steve), Natalie Clarke (Jim), Lisa Standifird (Kyle), Brian (Brendi) and 37 grandchildren (and spouses) and 7 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Helen Wells (Richard), Harlo Beckstrand (late Carol), Paul Beckstrand (Elaine) and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
A viewing will be held at the Warenski Funeral Home in American Fork, UT on Sunday. August 13th from 6:00-8:00 PM (located at 1776 North 900 East in American Fork).
We will celebrate her life on Monday, August 14th at 11:00 AM at the Cedar Hills West Stake Center (located at 4580 W Cedar Hills Dr, Cedar Hills, UT 84062 – near the roundabout behind Walmart). There will be a visitation from 9:30-10:30 AM before the funeral. Interment will take place at the Alpine City Cemetery following the service.
For those wishing to view the services remotely, here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQATCjC1BqF4x5PZl3zDMIL6uE-4mSao8
We will be forever grateful for Judy’s legacy of love. We love you mom and Grandma Judy! Until we meet again.