Obituary of Judith Diane McLeod

Judith Diane (McNeil) McLeod, 76, of Mesa, AZ, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2019, with a couple of her children at her side. Judy was born to Donald McNeil and Thelma Harkins on November 11, 1942, in Butte, MT. She was the youngest of four girls – Beverly (Nagel), Joan (File), Shirley (died in her infancy), and Judy. She is survived by her sister Joan. Judy was a rambunctious youth, full of life and fun. She participated in any activity where socialization was at its core. She loved people and had a gift for making others feel loved, welcomed, included, and important. High School years found her in clubs, cheerleading, and being crowned Homecoming Queen. That was also where she found the love of her life, John (Jack) McLeod. The sweethearts married a couple of months after her graduation and with that, a most remarkable and inspiring partnership began. Jack and Judy were dynamic, generous, the life of any party, and eventually the proud patriarch and matriarch of a clan of 46 (5 children, 5 children-in-law, 24 grandchildren, 8 with spouses, and 4 great-grandchildren-with one more on the way). Judy is survived by her posterity including her five children [Mark (Kristie), Lori, Brent (Christine), Shawn (Val), and Chad (Crystal)]. Jack and Judy raised their family simply, making due on a teacher’s salary and a daycare Judy ran out of her house for many years. Jack’s career in education took the couple from Butte, to Bozeman, MT, to Billings, MT, to Yuma, AZ, and ultimately to Mesa, AZ. They made an impact for good wherever they lived and have a myriad of life-long friendships as evidence. Jack and Judy are married for eternity, but only had 47 short years together before Jack passed away 12 years ago from cancer. Judy’s passing last week, although heartbreaking for her beloved friends and family, brings some joy to those who knew her well because they know she is now once again back in the arms of her knight in shining armor, and best friend, Jack. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 27, 10am, at the LDS church at 2647 S Signal Butte Rd, Mesa, AZ (just north of Guadalupe Rd). A cemetery service will immediately follow the funeral at the Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 E. Main, Mesa, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the WoundedWarriorProject.org or to Aegis Home Care & Hospice (www.nhpco.org). Judy’s family would like to give sincere thanks to the staff at Mariposa Point of Gilbert Retirement Home as well as to the caring nurses of Aegis Home Care & Hospice for treating Judy with such kindness, respect, and with the dignity such a remarkable woman deserved in the twilight of her fruitful life.