Judith Rae (Bennett) Peters of Granite Falls, WA, and former resident of Wichita and Wellington, KS, passed away suddenly on October 13, 2015. She was 73 years old. Judith was born on March 17, 1942 in Grand Junction, CO to Delmar and Hazel Bennett.

Judy lived a full life, having served in the United States Air Force as a young woman, and continuing her service later in life in the form of the letters she wrote to many families that had lost soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq. Those letters of support will be showcased at the Naval Museum in Everett, WA. She earned her Nursing degree from Mesa State College in Grand Junction, CO, and enjoyed a career of caring for others, while playing an integral role in the lives of her family. She raised three lovely children, cared for her mother through Alzheimer’s disease, and was the perfect “other half” to her dear husband, Ron.

Known as Nani to the grandchildren she adored, she will always be remembered for her childlike spirit and unconditional love. A visit to Nani’s house always included something fun to do together, and of course, an ice cream sundae. Nani loved deeply, and was always there to lend an ear and a hug to all who needed her.

In her spare time, Judy took up sewing, becoming quite a talented seamstress and quilter. She could sew anything from tiny doll clothes to big, cozy quilts, and was always working on a project, typically a gift for another. Over the past several years, Judy made and donated at least 100 quilts as Christmas gifts for needy children.

Judy was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her love and light will be remembered and carried on by many. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ronald Peters, her parents Hazel and Delmar, her brother Michael Bennett, and her son Steven Main. She is survived by her sister, Mary Alice Bennett of Daniel Island, SC, her son Jack (Corrie) Luellen of Littleton, CO, her daughter Meredith (Nathan) Deakins of Granite Falls, WA, grandchildren Brandon (Madison) Case, Alysha Nicole Bongiatonni, and William Taylor Case, all of Grand Junction, CO, Trent Jaron Deakins of Granite Falls, WA, Isabelle Faith Luellen of Littleton, CO, and great-grandson Benson Steven Case of Grand Junction, CO. She is also survived by many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A graveside memorial service will be held November 14, 2015, 1:00pm, at Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Wellington, Kansas. Shelley Family Funeral Home of Wellington is in charge of local arrangements