Deepest sympathy and condolences.

Staff Borgio Verezzi Showcave

I have many memories of all the cave conventions but what stuck out the most with Judy and Gordon is in 1988 in the back of Cave of the Winds, CO. Grant Carey took about a dozen of us on a wild tour in the Silent Splendor section and there was a vertical climb of about 30 ft that lead up to a tire that Grant had to uncover for us to get in a beautiful section. Judy was so short, and in front of me going up the climb that I let her use my shoulders to put her feet on to be able to get up that vertical passage. I believe we did that same scenario on the way back down. It was fun. God bless the family. I know first hand its hard to lose a spouse, but never the memories.

I remember a beautiful sunny day in a small Greek village, walking the quiet streets with Judy, listening to her cheerful greetings to all we met.  Such a special time! Her ready smile, her joyful laugh, and the obvious devotion the two of you shared were wonderful to behold. Gordon, we shall miss her, as will the enormous cave community that was fortunate enough to have known her.  You hold a special place in our hearts.

Gordon, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry to hear of Judy's passing. She was a special lady .


Judy at the NSS 2018 NSS Convention with the caver quilt they purchased.

Dear Gordon what sad news! Best wishes to you and your family also fom my wife Marlies and our daughters Franziska and Constanze.
Yours Friedrich

Gordon, I am so sorry to hear of your wife's passing. I'm so glad I had the priviledge of meeting her a few years ago. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Gordon, I am so sorry for your loss.  I missed Judy's beautiful smile at this years' NSS Convention.  She always brightened up any room that she was in.

Larry E. Matthews

Gordon, I wish you, and your family my sympathy during this difficult time in the journey of life.  I echo what many of you have already said.  Judy was one remarkable lady and you couldn't have picked a better life partner.  Remember the good times in your various world travels.

Judy was the type of lady who one could easily relate to and share cave memories.  What a pair you two have made in the show cave world.

With sympathy on the loss of Judy.....

Gary K. Soule

Judy was a very special lady. Prayers for the family 

Dear Gordon,
I am deeply saddened by the news of your loss and I would like to express my sorrow and most sincere condolences to you and your family. 
I will remember Judy for her cheerful smile, her kindness and and the joy she brought to all of us at our ISCA meetings.
May you take comfort in the support of friends and in the love of family during this difficult time 
Renata
Past ISCA Secretary
Genga (Italy)


Judy was such a lovely lady, always smiling and compassionate. I will never forget the kindness she showed me over the years and will miss her visits to Cumberland Caverns very much. I am saddened I won't be able to pay my respects in person, as I had the utmost respect for Judy and will cherish the last hug she gave me as we parted ways saying we would see one another again soon.  My heart goes out to all her friends and family but especially to Gordon and her children. ”Gordon and Judy” was definitely one word and a love story for the ages. 
Love, 
Kelly 

Prayer and condolences to Judy's loved ones. Was always nice seeing her at NCA conventions. Judy lives on through her family. Take care...God bless.

Judy was such a big part of my life as far back as 1974, as she and Gordon instilled in me the love for caves and many lessons well learned in the show cave business even to this day. When I viewed the tribute video, I was quickly reminded how down to earth Judy always was even taking part in the funny and extraordinary and yet at the same time all rolled up in that was an elegance and grace of a lady proper. She was such a wonderful person to have known and will be sadly missed by all of us. Sharing but a small part of your sadness, we love you Gordon, Cindy, Tammy and family.

Our deepest condolences to Gordon and family on the loss of Judy who always brightened every event.  We spent many pleasant cave conventions, canoe trips, and business meetings and Judy always lit up a room(or canoe stream).  Always so proud of her family and looking forward to her next adventure.  We will miss you so much; and are thinking of your family.

Judy smiled constantly and always shared her loving heart. One of the kindest people to bless this earth. She will be so missed. 🙏❤️🙏

My Aunt Judy was a remarkable woman and half of an amazing traveling duo.  She was a wonderful wife, mother and Aunt.  She and her husband were the first to call and meet me on 9/11 to make sure I was okay after the plane had to prematurely land in Indianapolis offering help and shelter if needed.  I will never forget how time could go by without speaking, but then a phone call, a letter or a message reaching out at just the right time was always appreciated.  Gone too soon, but today I will try and not be sad because she's gone, instead I will smile with gratitude that she was in the world and I knew her.  All my love to Gordon, Cindy and Tammy during this time and always.  Joe

I didn't know Judy well, but I would like to extend all the best wishes to her husband Gordon and all her family. Our forefathers used to say that all must die except the words of praise for a noble name. Judy will live on in all your memories.
All the best form Nuno (Portugal)

Dear Gordon and Family: I was very saddened to learn of your loss.  I fondly recall meeting Judy several times over the years and remember how friendly and upbeat she always was.  I pray that God will provide you courage, strength, and comfort to endure the days ahead during this difficult time.  With deepest sympathy, Bruce

Dearest Gordon,

Most of our ISCA conferences happened in far away places. Without exception, every time, anywhere, Judy made ALL  of us feel  at home, regardless of where we were! 

Gordon, you and the family are in our prayers

Hein
Ex _ Cango Caves, South Africa
Mulu Caves, Sarawak, Malaysia 

We are so sorry to read this sad news and extend our heart-felt condolences to Gordon and family. We are grateful to have met Judy on several occasions both in Australia and in the USA. She was a most delightful and up-lifting person.

Judy was a sweet, bubbly, and loving woman.  We’ve know her for over 45 years and never heard a harsh word come out of her mouth about anyone or anything.   She was a cheerleader and supporter of her husband and family .   She was a joy to be around and I never saw her without a smile on her face.  She definitely left this world a better place by being here.   I pray Gordon, Tammy, Cindy, and her family find comfort knowing she is resting in the arms of her Lord and Savior.  God bless you Judy and thank you for bring light into our lives. 

 I have known and loved Judy since our college days.  Gordon and I were frat brothers and caving buddies.  Judy will always be our fraternity dream girl. 

I had the pleasure of feeding Judy and Gordon many times in the past at the Blue River Cafe.  It felt good to nourish them after they had put in a hard days work on the river and in the cave.  They both are great supporters of our community.  Judy, you will be missed.


I remember Judy from the Explore group and also working the travel shows. She was a delight sharing her & Gordon’s adventures. Never a dull moment for Judy. What sweet and lovable person.  I will always remember your stories and sweetness.  Pam Clark

We shared many long weekends working the ticket counter with Judy at Marengo Cave. We all were exhausted at the end of a long holiday weekend, but it was fulfilling taking care of up to 1200 people a day in our relatively small shop back in the pre-internet  era. We made lots of memories and built Marengo Cave into a special place. Judy was a great partner, loving, caring person and a very hard worker. Gordon picked a great one!

I remember Judy from the Explore Southern Indiana meetings. She was a very nice lady.   

Judy was on my first cave trip in June 1967 to Cave Hollow Arbogast. WV.  Gordon was in another part of the cave.  Mary Ellen and I enjoy many memories of Judy and Gordon at NSS Conventions all over the country and gift shows in Pigeon Forge. TN.  We feel very fortunate to have known Judy.  We are sorry for your loss Gordon and family and  Indeed the whole caving community. 
Ray & Mary Ellen

I am so grateful to have had a visit from my cousin Judy and her husband  Gordon recently at my home in Auckland, New Zealand.  They were on a caving trip "Downunder".  Judy was so full of life, love and adventure.   Her love of caving, family, and the great outdoors was infectious.  She was a person who touched your heart with warmth.  My thoughts are with Gordon, her children and grandchildren.

We will miss Judy, a warm friend for over 45 yrs.   Her memory will always stay with us .         Patti Stumler and Children

Thank you Judy for the joy of seeing you and being so warmly welcoming every time we met or spoke.

I would only get to see Gordon and Judy 2-3 times a year.  I'm in the river resort business in Missouri.  They would every year stop in a say hi on a whirl wind trip that Gordon had going. Judy always smiling and a wonderful hug. Never did not ask how things were and if they could give some guidance.  That was personally or professionally. These people are incredable mentors and friends.
Judy will be missed.

Grace Lutheran Church

National Cave Museum 

 Visitation

Funeral Service

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Gordon Lynn Smith Jr.; two daughters, Cindy Palmer (Bill) and Tammy Ochsner (Robert); two grandchildren, Anna and Lucy Palmer; a sister, Carol Miller (John); a brother, Robert Edmonds; and three grand dogs, Rojo, Truck and Oliver.

OBITUARY

Judy Smith

May 29, 1944 – August 7, 2019

Kraft Funeral Service

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services