Judy Orth

Judy Orth, 68, of Great Falls passed away on September 4, 2018. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel. A reception will follow at Schnider Funeral Home. Judy was born September 17, 1950 to David and Vivian (DeRusha) Hannant in Plentywood, MT. As the daughter of a US customs officer and dancer, she spent most her life in Montana. After graduating from Great Falls High School in 1968, she earned her radiology technician certificate from Montana Deaconess Hospital in 1970. around the same time, she met USAF Serviceman and husband of 49 years, Jack Orth. Military assignments had them move to Germany and then South Dakota, where Judy returned to school to become an LPN. In 1986 they returned to Great Falls. Judy was a long-time employee of the Immediate Care Center (Great Falls Clinic) and retired in 2011. Although Judy was known for her pretty rose garden, short stature and huckleberry pie, many may not know about her resilience. Her daughter liked to refer to her as the ‘little engine that could.’ Judy was a true testament to what modern medicine, research, and sheer will can do. During the last 10 years of her life, she fought breast cancer and congestive heart failure. A pacemaker and defibrillator were placed, however, her heart continued to deteriorate. Three and half years ago she was given a second chance at life, with an LVAD. She took pride in teaching others about the LVAD, from speaking at a symposium in Washington DC to letting medical students have a listen to her whirring heart. Because the was the only patient in Great Falls to have the LVAD, Judy took command and understanding of her health care. Almost to her detriment, she was quite stubborn about her care- right to the very end. When her body could no longer match her will, she seemingly chose the time and place to withdraw care. Judy is survived by her children Nicole (Rennie) of Brooklyn, NY and Chris (Tawna) of Colorado Springs; grandchildren Kaitlyn Martin (20), Griffen Martin (18), Jillian Martin (14), of Brooklyn, and Tyler Orth (16) of Colorado Springs. She is also survived by her beloved twin sister Jeanne Kuno (Butch) brother Paul (Cheryl); and numerous nieces and nephews. Her husband Jack, preceded her in death by a short three months. Judy will be greatly missed by her family, friends and all those whose lives she touched with her garden and warm smile.