Judy Ann Matthijetz

She was born on October 30, 1954 in Dallas, Texas to Helen Juanita Hames and Claude Hodge and was raised in Dallas, Texas. She attended H. Grady Spruce High School and graduated in 1970. She dreamed of being a mother and had her first child in 1976, followed by her second daughter in 1980. Then she met Billy Matthijetz and later married him on September 28, 1985.

In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, reading and traveling especially to St. Croix. She dreamed of slow island life soaking up the sun. Judy also enjoyed all kinds of books but especially romance novels. She lovingly tended her vegetable garden and enjoyed giving the extra bounty to friends and family. She had a green thumb and enjoyed every kind of plant. She and Billy loved dining out and socializing with their friends.

Family and friends will always remember her as a strong, nurturing woman with a big heart and sweet soul.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Helen Hames, and her father, Claude Hodge; sister Patti Eddings; and her beloved Maltipoo, Bella.

She is survived by her husband of 38 years and best friend, Billy Matthijetz; her beloved daughters, Tamie Kettle, and Jodie Parker and her husband Drew; grandson George Kettle who she loved to spoil; sister, Claudie and husband Leroy Fulbright; brother, Joe and wife Marsha Hodge; and her sister-in-law, Judy and husband John Reaves.

Family will receive friends at Grove Hill Funeral Home on Thursday, September 28 from 6 – 8 p.m. Funeral services will be at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Rockwall on Friday, September 29 at 10 a.m. There will be a graveside service immediately following at Hillcrest Cemetery in Forney.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, Rockwall.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Grove-Hill.com for the Matthijetz family.