Judith A. “Judy” Birtell, 77, of Eldridge, passed away Sunday, April 22, 2018, at Davenport Lutheran Home with her loving family by her side.

Judy was born in 1940 to Josiah and Alta Kent in Fort Madison, Iowa. She graduated from Muscatine High School in 1958 and from Stormont-Vail School of Nursing in 1964. Judy was united in marriage to Max Birtell on December 22, 1963 in Auburn, Kansas. She worked at several hospitals as an RN and Davenport Lutheran Home. Even though she loved working as a nurse, her greatest joy was raising her family in a Christian home. She was an active member at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bettendorf, Iowa. Judy loved traveling, camping, and making crafts, but most of all spending time with her grandchildren.

Judy is survived by her husband of 54 years, Max; six children, Emily (Joe) Gardyasz, Rev. Brad (Christine) Birtell, Rev. Kenton (Linda) Birtell, Clayton (Sara) Birtell, Amy (Dave Assman) Birtell, and Jenny (Dr. Kyle) Berry; 16 grandchildren, Porter, Britney, Sawyer, Abby, Grace, Hannah, Nathan, Katherine, Eva, Noah, Naomi, Elijah, Parker, Katie, Sydney, and Jonathan; and sister Suzen Fanson.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Delores.

A graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 26, 2018, at Simmerwell Cemetery in rural Wakarusa, Kansas. The family will greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Parker-Price Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka, KS 66608.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, Bettendorf, Iowa.