Obituary

Judy Bovee passed away peacefully on August 15, 2024 surrounded by her family.

Judy Kay Richardson was born in Great Falls, MT on March 8, 1954. She was the youngest of four children born to James and Hazel Richardson. Judy grew up in Miles City, MT where she enjoyed being a lifeguard, playing the oboe, and spending countless hours with the Pettigrew family. She graduated from Custer County District High School in 1972 and attended Miles Community College where she met the love of her life, Truman Bovee. Truman and Judy were married on April 20, 1974.

They started a family and had two children, Josh and Alisha. Truman was employed with the Montana Department of Transportation and in 1984 they moved to the state section house between Broadus and Miles City where the kids attended a one-room rural school. The years they spent there were some of the happiest of Judy’s life. She built life-long friendships, loved attending services at the Coalwood Church, and provided a loving home for her family. In 1989, the family moved to Columbus, MT where they resided for over 20 years. Judy managed the Apple Village Café and later opened TJ’s Pizza and Subs in downtown Columbus. Judy returned to college and completed her Associate’s Degree in business. She worked at the Mental Health Center in Billings, MT for over 10 years, including time working in Human Resources, which she described as her favorite job.

After retirement, Judy lived in Miles City, MT, Shepherd, MT and most recently spent the past year in Grain Valley, MO so that she could be closer to her son and his family.

Judy’s greatest loves were her husband, her children and five grandchildren. She was so proud of the lives that her children created and the families that they built. She enjoyed attending all events that her children and grandchildren participated in. Judy loved to travel with her family and enjoyed many trips, most notably to California and New York City. Over the years, Judy loved camping on the Madison River, performing with the Barn Players Community Theater, tending to her lawn and flowers, teaching vacation bible school, sharing her love of music with kids, singing with the Sweet Adeline’s chorus, playing board games with her grandkids, spending time with the “Ladies of ‘72”, hosting holiday family gatherings, or just curling up with a good book. Judy felt so loved and cherished by all of the family and friends that attended her and Truman’s 50th wedding anniversary celebration in April 2024. She had a brilliant sense of humor, truly lived life to the fullest, and she will be greatly missed.

Judy is survived by her loving husband, Truman; her children, Josh (Erin) Bovee of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Alisha (Ray) Belmontez of Grain Valley, MO; her grandchildren Emily, Evan, Ryan, Abigail and Oliver; her siblings Lee and Connie. Judy is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Mark.

Judy will be cremated at Langsford Funeral Home and funeral services will be held at The Parlor, located at 1806 Main Street in Miles City, MT on Saturday, August 31st at 2:00 p.m. A lunch reception will follow.