Judy Wagoner

Judith Anne Laird Wagoner, 91, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A woman of deep faith, wisdom, and love for her family, Judith spent her life as both a shepherd and a guiding light to those around her.

Born on October 14, 1933, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Royal Melvin Laird and Phyllis Letitia Thomas Laird, she was raised alongside her younger sister, Valeria Jane Laird Maxwell, and many cousins in Dubois, Idaho, where her family of sheepmen and cowboys shaped her early years. She always spoke of her idyllic childhood, filled with adventure, love, and the simple joys of ranch life and love of her family. From an early age, she understood what it meant to nurture, protect, and guide—a role she would embrace not only among the flocks of lamb, but within her own family and community.

In those days, Dubois, Idaho, was a small, rural community centered around ranching and the railroad, serving as a key stop along the Union Pacific line. The town’s tight-knit population included many relatives, and the values of faith, family, and guidance were deeply intertwined in daily life.

As a child, she cherished summer adventures visiting her grandmother in Portland, Oregon, often reminiscing fondly about those times with her mother and sister. She also shared a special bond with her father, whom she loved dearly.

Judy was a true shepherdess on the ranch and lovingly referred to herself as "Bo Peep." She did it all—fencing, tending sheep, and caring for cows. In the ranch kitchen or sheep camp, she perfected her famous sourdough pancakes, a recipe beloved by all who had the privilege of tasting them.

Judy loved reminiscing about the days of dancing in Dubois, Medicine Lodge, Liddy’s Hot Springs, and Island Park. Her maternal grandfather, Papa Henry Thomas, would drive her and her cousins to the community dances, where entire families came together to celebrate. These gatherings were a reflection of what Judy cherished most—being with family. It was often said, "Judy loves a picnic!" as any occasion to gather and share laughter over a meal was something she treasured.

As a young girl, Judy’s life was forever changed by a visit to Birch Creek. At just 12 years old, she traveled with her mother, never realizing she would meet her future husband, Wendell Wagoner. That weekend, among the rolling hills and clear mountain streams, they rode horses, played in an old car, and formed a bond that would last a lifetime. Wendell was smitten from the start, and in a quiet, unforgettable moment, he mouthed the words, “I love you.” That childhood encounter blossomed into a real-life love. Wendell later pinned her with his SAE pin in that exact spot at Birch Creek to ask her to marry him.

Judy was not only devoted to her family and faith, but also to her education. At Clark County High School, she was one of the only girls from her graduating class of 15 who went on to college.

A bright and determined student, she attended Brigham Young University in Utah as a freshman before transferring to the University of Utah, where she graduated in 1955. During her time at the university, she was a proud member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, while Wendell, though not yet her husband, was a Sigma Alpha Epsilon. These years solidified her love for learning and leadership—traits she carried with her throughout her life.

In the early years of their marriage, she and Wendell lived in Texas, California, and Utah, building their family along the way. Phillip Dail was born in California, Melvin Arnold came next while the family was living in Utah. On Judy’s 33rd birthday, she was gifted a daughter, Nora Elizabeth Anne “Annie,” in Utah before the family returned to Idaho in 1967 to be closer to the ranch and family.

They built a life together in Idaho raising children with Judy teaching at Bonneville High School and Wendell working at INL and as a sales rep for multiple companies. They spent weekends and summers on the ranch working the cows and sheep in Dubois and on the range in Island Park on various forest service and BLM leases throughout Clark and Fremont Counties. Through joy and struggles, they stayed devoted to each other and she loved and supported Wendell until his death in 2006.

A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Judy found great joy in serving others and cherished her time doing temple work at the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. One of her favorite roles was helping brides get ready—a testament to her love of family, tradition, and celebrating life's sacred moments. She had a special gift for offering guidance, strengthening those in need, and leading with grace and compassion. Her testimony of unwavering faith left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

To Judy, her children and grandchildren were the heart of her world. She was a devoted mother to her three children—Phillip Wagoner (married to Connie Slagle Wagoner), Melvin Wagoner (married to Teresa Tuma), and Anne Wagoner Brown (married to Matt Brown). As her children married, she welcomed their spouses with open arms, embracing them as her own. Her love for them was boundless, and they, in turn, cherished her deeply.

Judy’s love for her children was unconditional, and each of them brought her immense pride in their own unique way. Her eldest, Phillip, gave her a deep sense of purpose—she admired his strong work ethic and shared his love for the ranch, a passion that connected them both. Melvin, her second son, is an accomplished aviator like his father, and she took great pride in his adventurous spirit and dedication. Anne, her daughter, shared a special mother-daughter bond with Judy and carried on the legacy of her mother and grandmother as a driven educator, changing lives on a national scale. Each relationship filled with love that defined her life.

Judy’s joy grew even greater when she became a grandmother, a role she cherished with all her heart. Her daughter, Anne, gave her the gift of her first grandchild, Grace Brown, followed by Zach Brown, and then Melvin and Teresa blessed her with Garrett Wagoner and Maddie Wagoner. Each time she learned a new grandchild was on the way, she was overwhelmed with pure joy and excitement, a testament to her deep love for family. As they grew, her grandchildren remained incredibly close to her, carrying her influence into adulthood and crediting her with making a profound impact on their lives. She was their biggest supporter, going to many games, school events, or milestones in their childhood. Thanks to Judy’s boundless love, her grandchildren not only shared a deep connection with her, but also with one another—a legacy of education, purpose, hard work and accomplishment helping them each with the gift of being a trusted advisor as they grew into adulthood.

Judy’s role as a mother and grandmother went far beyond just raising her children—it was a lifelong friendship built on love, trust, and unwavering support. She was their greatest cheerleader, their source of wisdom, and their safe place to land. No matter where life took them, they always knew they could count on her warmth, guidance, and unconditional love. She truly built a beautiful family, and she remained deeply connected not only to her immediate family but also to her extended relatives, friends, colleagues, and neighbors until the very end.

Just as she poured her heart into her family and ranch life, Judy also dedicated herself to her career in education. She was a passionate schoolteacher, shaping young minds with the same love and encouragement she gave to her own children. Teaching was more than just a profession for Judy—it was a calling, one that allowed her to touch countless lives over her 33-year career. While growing up, Annie recalls feeling like her mom was a celebrity because she would be stopped all over town with a student telling her she was their favorite teacher and what a difference she made in their life. That is probably the biggest factor in Annie’s choice to be an educator. In fact, just last year, when getting up from a family dinner at Texas Roadhouse the waitress informed her that the meal was paid for by a former student who just wanted to do something nice for his favorite teacher.

While she adored her students, some of her greatest joy came from the friendships she built with her fellow teachers. Her colleagues at Bonneville High School in Idaho Falls became her steadfast front row, supporting each other through every season of life. Even after retiring, their bond remained unbreakable. For over 40 years, they kept their friendship alive through their beloved Birthday Club, celebrating each other through the decades. Judy cherished those gatherings, with Nancy Brezze, Gloria Whitney, Sandy Bybee, Darla Storms, LaRene Sargent, Dorothy Skidmore, and Elaine Crawford, always looking forward to the laughter, memories, and lifelong friendships she held so dear. They were a source of endless joy and support.

Speaking of friends, Judy had many. Healthy always, her mind remained sharp until the very end, and she lived independently until suffering an aortic aneurysm the Monday prior to her passing. That final week, she lived happily, surrounded by family in the hospital, a room filled with love and warmth. But what truly spoke to who she was - the outpouring of support from at least 50 visitors in just one week—family, friends, neighbors, ward members, and even doctors and nurses from EIRMC who had grown to love her.

Judy shepherded us into this next chapter, just as she had done her entire life. Even in her final week, she took care of us (her family), comforting us with her wisdom, laughter, and love. She laughed, joked, and shared stories, giving us so much to hold onto. We were all so grateful just to be there, soaking in her warmth. She truly was loved beyond measure, a guiding force until the very end.

Judy taught us so much through her love, kindness, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to family and friends. Her legacy lives on in her children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed, but forever cherished.

Judy is lovingly remembered by her children, Phillip Dail Wagoner (Connie), Melvin Arnold Wagoner (Teresa), and Nora Elizabeth Anne "Annie" Wagoner Brown (Matt). She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Grace Elizabeth Anne Brown, Zachary "Zach" Matthew Brown, Garrett Allen Wagoner, and Madeline "Maddie" Anne Wagoner; Aunt to her niece, Letitia “Tish” Jane Maxwell Dahmen, and nephews, Laird James Maxwell and William Ted Maxwell. She is now reunited in peace with her beloved husband, Wendell Arnold Wagoner; their infant son, John Roy Wagoner; her parents, Royal Melvin Laird and Phyllis Letitia Thomas Laird; and her sister, Valeria Jane Laird Maxwell. Her love, strength, and warmth will remain in the hearts of those who knew and cherished her.

We love you forever, Mom/Grandma Judy.

Judy’s family will hold a graveside memorial service at Rose Hill Cemetery in Idaho Falls, Idaho (2355 Rollandet Avenue), on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. followed by a picnic at her home where loved ones can gather to celebrate her beautiful life.