Wood, Judy Mitrisin

Judy Mitrisin Wood, 68, died at her home in Vinton, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, following a brief battle with breast cancer. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 8, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vinton, with Father Ardel Barta as celebrant. Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton, with a vigil service to begin at 5 p.m. Interment will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Vinton.

Judy was born Jan. 12, 1944, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the daughter of George and Lucille Lancial Mitrisin. She was raised in Eddyville, Iowa, and graduated from high school there in 1962. Judy was crowned Miss Eddyville as a teenager.On July 27, 1963, Judy was united in marriage with Joseph W. Wood Jr. in Eddyville. The couple made their home in Vinton, where Judy worked as a teacher's aide for the Vinton-Shellsburg School District. She also worked as a banquet coordinator and server at the Marriott in Cedar Rapids. She retired in May 2010.

Judy was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vinton. She enjoyed gardeningand crafts. She was an avid bowler and was the longtime league secretary in Vinton and the director of the Cedar Rapids Bowling Association. She was active in the Booster Club and served as president. She was the caretaker of Joe the Crow and was known as “The Lightning Bug Lady.” Her greatest joy was spoiling her grandchildren.

Judy is survived by her husband of 49 years, Joe Wood Jr. of Vinton;two daughters, Jody Nelson of Minneapolisand Julie (Doug) Schmidt of Cedar Rapids; one son, Jason (Sara) Wood of Cedar Rapids; six grandchildren, Bradley Kelley, Troy Wood, Jennifer Schmidt, Jaden Wood, Isaac Schmidt and Kaylee Wood; and five sisters, Lois (Chuck) Farmer of Ankeny, Norma Adrian of Oskaloosa, Pat McMains of Pleasantville, Teresa Ashman of Indianola and Marilyn (Tom) Adreon of Pleasantville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Joe Mitrisin; one sister, Pauline Mitrisin; and three brothers-in-law, Kenny Adrian, Lowell McMains and Gordon Ashman.

A memorial fund has been established.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home is caring for Judy and her family.

Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.

Published Oct. 5, 2012 in The Gazette