Judy Main

Judy Lou Gremmels Main’s vibrant energy was released from her body and back into the universe on Sunday after a courageous battle with cancer. Judy was born in Glendale, California, in 1943 to William John and Jesse Stensland Gremmels. With her older brother Chuck, the family relocated to North Dakota and eventually to Idaho Falls, Idaho. She graduated from IF High Class of 1961. Her adventurous spirit motivated her to study at the University of Hawaii. Judy married Norman Arthur Main on October 17, 1964, in Idaho Falls. They enjoyed adventures in the wilderness by camping, fishing, hunting, and skiing. They had three children: Michael D. Main [wife Michelle Kunz (deceased)], Kari M. Main, and Dena (husband Kenny) Carlile. Judy earned a bachelor’s degree in education. She spent 18 years instructing sixth graders at Templeview Elementary. Her love of learning and contagious curiosity inspired many great memories for her students. Judy loved to plan family trips such as adventures to ghost towns, New York City, Mexico, Oregon Coast, and Hawaii. Judy reveled in her role as grandmother to Tylon, Henry, Paxton, and Morgan. They will never forget how their “Grammy” dropped everything to play with them. She never blinked an eye when the living room was turned into a massive pillow fort or when the basement stairs were used as snow slopes for plastic sleds. Her playfulness and limitless generosity made her the best grandma any kid could want. She also lovingly played “second mom” for numerous friends and cousins. She truly was a beacon of light and love for all who knew her – injecting levity and good fun into any situation. We are certain she will continue these adventures with us, as we keep finding humor and pushing the envelope in the most “Judy” of ways. According to the laws of physics, we know that no energy gets created and none is destroyed. Every bit of energy that composed Judy is still here. Every photon that bounced off her face had its path interrupted and changed forever; every hug she gave permanently altered trillions of particles that are still on a path altered by Judy. Not one bit of Judy is gone, she is just a bit less orderly -- and she would be so pleased. We plan to face every day with her inspiration to be a little more goofy and a lot more generous in any situation we face. The family wishes to express their thanks for all the love and support from friends and family, and a very special thank you to Hands of Hope who held us together as we stumbled our way through this last adventure with our mom. The family will celebrate Judy’s life at their home at 535 Westridge Drive on Friday, May 10, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to City of Idaho Falls, attn Tautphaus Park Zoo, PO Box 50220, Idaho Falls, ID 83405.