Judith “Judy” Jira

Judith “Judy” Jira


Dates

December 12, 1940 - October 20, 2022

Obituary

Judith “Judy” Jira,81, of Plankinton, SD departed her loving family on October 20, 2022 at home in Plankinton. Funeral Services will be 10:30 AM Monday, October 24, 2022 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Plankinton, with burial to follow at Mizpah Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, October 23, from 5-7:00 PM at the St. Paul Lutheran Church with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Plankinton.

Judy was born in Huron, SD on December 12, 1940 to Karle (Cy) and Mercedes Lyon. As a child she lived in Aberdeen and Mobridge as well as Sioux Falls and Mitchell.

Judy graduated from Mitchell High School in 1958. She started her first job as a teller at Mitchell National Bank. In 1959, Judy met Marv Jira and their first date Marv arrived in his baseball uniform and took her to a baseball game in Plankinton. They were united in marriage on June 3, 1961 in Mitchell. They lived in Mt. Vernon and in 1962 they moved to Amboy, MN where she continued her work as a teller until moving to Platte, SD in 1964. In 1968, they moved to Mitchell, SD where she and Marv helped manage the K&L Motel until 1970 when Marv took a teaching and coaching position in Plankinton. After moving to Plankinton in 1971, Judy began working at the Plankinton elevator where she worked for several years while raising a family, supporting Marv’s teaching and coaching and being very active within the community.

Judy and Marv were blessed with 4 children and 8 grandchildren. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother who was always there when we needed her. She was a huge support to Marv through all his endeavors including coaching, tack shop and pheasant hunting. She found great pleasure in watching her children and grandchildren grow and attending their activities. She was an avid supporter of 4-H and High School rodeo for her kids and grandkids and never missed a time or score. And you’d often find her with a Pepsi and a crossword puzzle.

Many would describe her as a class act as she was always dressed to perfection wherever she went or whatever the occasion and she loved to dance. She did local modeling for many years and won the Miss Corn Palace beauty pageant in 1960. She was also a talented seamstress and made her families clothes for many years and even her daughter Jody’s wedding dress.

She also had many friends and was a well-loved member of the Plankinton community. Judy volunteered much of her time including playing an instrumental part in guiding the community after the tragic school explosion in 2000. As a result, she and Marv were recently inducted into the PHS Wall of Fame for their continued support of Plankinton High School and the community.

Judy was a member of Beta Sigma Phi for over 50 years and held various positions including secretary. She was a devoted Christian and an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church teaching Sunday School for many years while her kids were young, made numerous banners over the years that hang in the church, and was also church secretary.

She is survived by her husband Marv and their children, Jay (Cheryl) Jira, Hartford, SD, Jody (Dave) Marone, Pukwana, SD, Jackie (Darren) Paulsen, Rapid City, SD, and Jamie (Tom) O’Brien, Winter Springs, FL, and 8 grandchildren Jacey Jira (Wade Schoenfelder), Zane Jira, Rich Marone (Jayden Leiseth), Megan Marone, Dawson Paulsen (Katherine Garrett), Dreyson Paulsen, Kylie O’Brien and Patrick O’Brien, her brother, Tom Lyon and nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, father-in-law, John Jira, mother-in-law, Bessie Van Essen, mother-in-law, Rose Mary Jira, sister-in-law, Margie Crowe, brother-in-law, Sam Crowe, and sister-in-law, Janell Lyon.

 

 

 

 


Visitation(s)

Date
Sunday, October 23, 2022
Time
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location
7:00 PM Prayer Service

St. Paul Lutheran Church
109 W State Street
Plankinton, SD 57368

Service

Date
Monday, October 24, 2022
Time
10:30 AM
Location
St. Paul Lutheran Church
109 W State Street
Plankinton, SD 57368

Cemetery

Plankinton Cemetery
387th Avenue
Plankinton, SD


Posted by Carmen and Ruben Lapp on November 8, 2022
Our heartfelt sympathy to Marv, Jay, Jody, Jackie & Jamie and your families. My faith leads me to believe your Judy is with our Lord and all of our loved ones in heaven. She was a such a special lady and will be missed by many. Carmen (Heezen) and family
Posted by Carmen and Ruben Lapp on November 8, 2022
Our heartfelt sympathy to Marv, Jay, Jody, Jackie & Jamie and your families. My faith leads me to believe your Judy is with our Lord and all of our loved ones in heaven. She was a such a special lady and will be missed by many. Carmen (Heezen) and family
Posted by Kevin Kunkel on October 26, 2022
I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I remember many times spent at your farm in Plankinton when we were all much younger. Best wishes to everyone.
Posted by Lisa (Gerlach) Seto on October 25, 2022
My sympathies to you Marv, Jay, Jody, Jackie & Jamie and your families on the loss of your wife and mom. May you celebrate her wonderful life. Judy was always such a very nice lady with a beautiful smile. God bless you all.
Posted by Wanda & Mark Gillen on October 25, 2022
Deepest sympathy to Marv and family - Judy always had a smile for you wherever you saw her.
Posted by Mike Dittmer on October 24, 2022
I was saddened on hearing this news of her passing she was such a great lady always had a smile on her face and be truthful she was one of the highlights of my day when she came in to shop at Menards. I just talk to her last week and mentioned that I would not see her for a week while I did some training over at the Sioux falls West store.

Condolences to Marv and the whole family she was such a joy
Posted by Jeff & Vickie Tiede on October 24, 2022
Marv and family, our deepest condolences at Judy's passing. She was such a grand and gracious lady. May you find comfort in the many warm memories you shared as a family.
Posted by Tom Riddle on October 23, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with Marv and family,beautiful great lady that made a difference
Posted by Betty Fortier on October 23, 2022
Marv, my deepest sympathy to you and your family as you mourn the loss of Judy.
Posted by Lisa Heckenlaible on October 22, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jacey. Losing a grandmother is so tough and we are sending air hugs your way. Your entire family is in our prayers and may God be with you all during this very difficult time. God Bless
Your Longfellow Family xoxo
Posted by Charlei Carter on October 22, 2022
Marv, Thinking of you in this time of bereavement and loss. Memories are what sustains us. Hope yours are blessed and bright!!!
Charlie
Posted by Larry and Billy Burditt on October 22, 2022
Marv, so grieved by the loss of your wife, Judy. She truly was a beautiful and gracious lady, we know you will miss her terribly. Thinking of you and your family. Larry and Billy
Posted by Andy Weber on October 22, 2022
One of the grandest ladies I ever met. We are all blessed to have had Judy for 81 years--I wish I had met her long before I did--very special person. Rest in peace Judy and so sorry to all of her wonderful family.
Posted by Terry and Cindy Hoffman on October 22, 2022
We always loved visiting with Judy, she was always positive and always caring. Our sympathy and prayers for you all
Posted by Gene and Sandy Miller on October 22, 2022
I am so very sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. I did not know she’s been Ill
Judy was a beautiful lady with a big smile and a world of class. She will be very missed by all that knew her and especially her family

Big hugs to you all
Posted by Anne & Arlen Moke on October 22, 2022
Sympathy to the family. So enjoyed our little visits when she came in.She was a great lady.
Posted by Marsha Lytle on October 22, 2022
My heart hurts for you Jacki, and your family! Losing our mothers is so hard, but we also have so many memories to make us smile. Hang on to those to help you through this difficult time. She sounds like a remarkable woman! Many hugs for you, and lots of love.
Posted by Joe & Jan schlimgen on October 22, 2022
Our prayers & condolences go out to the family. Judy was beautiful person inside & out. She always wore a smile for everyone. May the Lord give you strength as you continue life without her.
Posted by Robert LaCasse on October 22, 2022
Wonderful memories for all the fun times we had at various Pioneer events. Judy will be missed and always loved. My prayers are with the family.
Posted by Kay Shafer on October 22, 2022
We hope you find comfort knowing I so enjoyed her charming personality and spending time with her. May you find Peace & Comfort in all your memories of life with Judy. May Judy enjoy the rewards of heaven she so deserves.

To her children: The loss of a Mother cannot be replaced, but the Love of a Mother can never be lost.
Posted by Sheri Breland Koeck on October 22, 2022
Marv & family, so very sorry for your loss. Judy was such a classy lady and I so enjoyed reconnecting with the 2 of you at the Stock show in Rapid.. Prayers for you all.
Posted by Mary Ann Osen on October 21, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Judy's passing. I worked with her at Mitchell National Bank, so many years ago. We would occasionally run into each other and I enjoyed the visits we had. She will be greatly missed.
Posted by Jill Swanhorst on October 21, 2022
Many thought and prayers to you all! She was a very special lady that touched the lives of many. She will forever be greatly missed.
Posted by Ronald & Theresa Glissendorf on October 21, 2022
We are so sorry for ;your loss, Judy was a very nice woman. You are in our prayers.
Posted by Kay Schoenfelder on October 21, 2022
So sorry for your loss. She was an amazing women. Sending sympathy and prayers
Posted by Jo Ann Moeller on October 21, 2022
Beautiful lady who will be greatly missed by all Smpathy Marv and family
Posted by Dan and Diane DesLauriers on October 21, 2022
Judy will be missed by so many. She had a smile for everyone Lucky to have called her my friend. Loved this pretty lady.
Posted by nancy leftwich on October 21, 2022
i am so sorry. i use to babysit for judy when i was in school. she alway had her pepsi with her. she was such a sweetheart she will be missed. prayers for the family.
Posted by Brenda Lewis on October 21, 2022
I met Judy when she moved to Mitchell and we were close friends from the beginning. She was a special lady, so full of enthusiasm and fun. My prayers go to her family. Rest in heavenly peace dear one
Posted by Deb Neugebauer on October 21, 2022
With shock and sincere sympathy I am sending this message. I saw Judy just a few weeks ago in the grocery store. Always bubbly and happy even though I know there were physical issues that challenged her. I knew her when her parents were at fire steel healthcare. I’ll never forget her story of the horse chestnuts in her pocket to help her with pain. The world has lost a special lady. My sympathy to each of you
Posted by Charlie and Darlene Bailey on October 21, 2022
SO sorry to hear the passing of Judy Our deepest sympathy to the family Loved when she came in the shoe shop for something Great lady
Posted by Patti Winegar Mehlhaf on October 21, 2022
Sending thoughts of sympathy to the Jira family as you mourn the loss of Judy.
Posted by Deb Coon on October 21, 2022
What a class act lady! My heart goes out to you Jody and your whole family. Prayers to all for strength to get through this time and know she resting as I never knew her to do that! Love to you all
Posted by Jerry Luckett on October 21, 2022
My deepest sympathies. Judy was such a beautiful woman and was so kind. She always had a smile on her face. I will cherish the times we visited. Sending prayers for strength and peace in this difficult time.
Posted by Deb Ryks on October 20, 2022
She was such a pleasant, beautiful lady. Every time she came to The Tumbleweed I told her that. She was always so caring and checking how I was doing. I will miss her beautiful smile.
Posted by Rocky Von Eye on October 20, 2022
My sympathy to Judy's family. Judy was a friendly smile whenever or wherever I saw her. Prayers for strength as you begin this new life without Judy.
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