Obituaries

Judith Ann Barber Westfall passed away on February 17, 2017 at the age of 70 after a two-year battle with aggressive cancer, where even in sickness she always provided for her beloved family— talking daily to her granddaughter in Wilmington, NC on the phone; offering her car to her grandsons in a time of crisis; or being the backbone for her eldest daughter.

Born in Fairfield, Iowa on March 13, 1946, Grandma Judy was a strong, determined, outspoken woman. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Ernest Westfall, and is survived by her daughters Vicki Lynn Stickel and Michelle Renee Westfall, as well as four grandchildren: Marisa Dawn, Kyle and Nathan Keith Stickel; and Hunter Dylan Ferguson. She was ecstatic to receive a grandson from her youngest daughter Michelle in 2014. The love of her life was her dog, Lexi. Grandma’s biggest joy in life was giving to her family and spending time with her grandchildren.

From dance classes, school parties, doctor’s appointments, football games, basketball games, broken bones, chicken pox, band concerts, driving lessons, rock concerts, haircuts; Grandma made sure her grandchildren were always provided for, giving when she had nothing to give and sacrificing so much.

Grandma intrinsically shaped and inspired her family, leaving her mark on the world in the ambition and persistence of her grandchildren. She was tough, not afraid to wrestle with her grandsons (until they were stronger than her); she was sassy and bold in her opinions, ensuring no one would cross her path; and she was generous, giving what little she had.

Grandma enjoyed quilting, spending time with her childhood friend from Iowa and the wonderful friends she made in her neighborhood, as well as going on trips with her family. In her final days, her family and friends gathered around her to say goodbye, knowing that she had made the world so much brighter. Although she was extremely saddened to miss Marisa’s graduation from graduate school, Nathan’s graduation from high school, and Kyle’s graduation from college—and all of the other moments she would have actively been a part of—her family reassured her that the love she had freely given would always be remembered.

The strength, determination, and ambition she instilled in her grandchildren was her greatest contribution, and it is through them, her legacy will live on. The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, and hospice who gave her hope, providing her healing and care.

Per Judith’s request, cremation services were held.  A Graveside Service will be held at the West Virginia National Cemetery at a date and time to be announced.  Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com  A Service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.