Judith Ann Ellsbury, 80, of Perry passed away peacefully Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, at the King’s Garden campus of the Perry Lutheran Homes in Perry, Iowa.
Judy was born Jan. 16, 1944, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Leonard Woodcock Dake and Mary Louise (Beard) Dake.
She was raised in Des Moines, graduating from Tech High School in 1962.
Judy was a resident of Des Moines until 1966 and then lived in Boone briefly before settling in Perry, where she lived from 1967 to the present.
She married Ronald Weldon Ellsbury on July 30, 1966.
Judy worked as a preschool teacher and daycare provider.
She was a member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church and the Basilica of St. John. She was a devout Catholic and her faith was a guiding force in her life. She was active in her churches.
Judy loved her family and enjoyed family vacations when her children were young.
She and her husband, Ron, continued to enjoy traveling in their retirement.
Judy is survived by her husband, Ron; children, Steve Ellsbury, Scott (Nanette) Ellsbury and Julie (Jonathan) Ellsbury; grandchildren, Ashley Ellsbury and Jesus (Madison) Ponce;
brother, Tom (Linda) Dake; as well as numerous nieces; nephews; other extended family; and many friends.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Mary Dake; brothers, Larry,
John “Jack,” Leon and Jim “Bud” Dake; and granddaughter, Kristina.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, with a family led Rosary at 7 p.m., at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon St. , Des Moines. A Mass of Christian burial will begin at 12 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17 at the Basilica of St. John, 1915 University Ave., Des Moines. Interment will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Basilica of St. John. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
