Judy Shields

"Jud"

Look at this! My picture's in the paper. I must be really famous or I died! If I died, I hope I had just spent time my grandchildren, Kailey (Ryan), Alex and Tyson. Kailey and I were probably discussing the latest book either she or I had read, or discussing the latest styles in clothing. Or planning a movie night. Alex, Ty and I were building roads in the sand, playing ball and just hanging out. Or I could have just returned from a girl's night of game playing or from "The Front" book club, where the book was the last thing we talked about. Possibly, it was dinner with old school chums, you know the ones from junior high. Then again, I might have been on one of the infamous road trips with the "Hiking R Us" bunch. And then there is the world traveler in me who wanted to see it all. My friend Sheri allowed me to pursue this endeavor with her for years. We have had a ball, places to go, people to see, things to do!!! Or just maybe, I was in the yard digging in the dirt, weeding flower beds or cutting roses.... I hope I wasn't shoveling snow!!!

I think my wanderlust started where I grew up in Butterfield Canyon. My wonderful parents, Glayde and Vivian Alexander allowed me my freedom to wander at will up and down the canyon. There was only one rule that Dad would always tell me "Don't pick up the snakes with the little rattles and STAY OUT OF THE MINE!!!" This freedom created in me a sense of wonder as to what was over the next hill, along with a strong sense of independence and self-sufficiency.

I met my future husband when I was 12-years-old, and just starting the 7th grade. Jim Shields was a tall, dark and handsome man. Jim and I had two wonderful boys, Brad and Mark. My wanderlust continued when I married Jim. We were off on some hunting/fishing/exploring adventure all the time. We went on vacation every year when the boys were young.  Sunday drives were a must. Mark married a wonderful girl named Karen. I cherish Karen as if she were my own daughter, she is a great wife and a terrific mom and my best friend. After a long search, Brad found his kindred spirt in Leann.

I was a lucky person to have married into the "Shields Family." They are by far the best in-laws a person could have. From the very beginning they took me in as a member of their family and treated me as such. There was just that one thing. they are a very "kissy" family... that took me years to get used to. But I adore them all. Ronal (Marjorie), Wanda (Roy), Donna (Guy) and Maxine (Ron), and their families, people who know how to have fun. I will miss those B-day parties and the family get togethers. The younger Shields generations must keep up the camaraderie and family ties. Everyone needs family. My family, the Alexander family was very small, my sister Sandra, her husband Charles and their four children, Glaybe, Linda, Vicky, Lori and their spouses plus their children.

I was also blessed recently to meet my great-granddaughter Miss Waverly Anne. I got to hold her and have a good visit.

All in all, it's been a great ride, but I guess it is time to see what God has waiting for me. See you on the flip slide.

Jud

LIFE IS A HIGHWAY, GET ON IT AND SEE WHERE IT LEADS YOU!!!

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the National Wildlife Foundation or the Nature Conservatory. As per my wishes, my ashes will be scattered far and wide, over hill and dale, and to the ocean waves. The adventure goes on... A farewell sendoff will be held at a later date to celebrate life, come and enjoy the memories.



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