Judy Jule Murdoch, age 77, of Cloverport, Kentucky and Grants, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Breckinridge County Memorial Hospital in Hardinsburg, Kentucky.
Judy was born on November 16, 1947, in Creston, Iowa, to Walter and Edith Edmondson. As the daughter of one of the first female Marines and a devoted Air Force serviceman, Judy’s early life was shaped by the military lifestyle. She and her older brother, George Earl Edmondson, experienced frequent moves to various Air Force bases and communities, including Albuquerque, New Mexico; San Francisco, California; Okinawa, Japan; Limestone, Maine; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and back to Albuquerque. Judy graduated from Wasson High School in Colorado Springs and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from the University of Albuquerque in 1970.
Beginning her career as a Physical Education teacher at Grants High School in New Mexico, Judy quickly became an integral part of the school community. It was there she met and fell in love with history teacher Robert Murdoch. They were married on June 9, 1971, at Asbury Methodist Church in Albuquerque. The couple honeymooned at Niagara Falls and toured Michigan to visit family.
Judy and Robert welcomed their son, Matthew, in 1975, and their daughter, Edie, in 1979. During this time, Judy took a break from teaching to devote herself to raising their family. She was a dedicated and active mother, enthusiastically supporting her children’s interests in fishing, camping, golfing, baseball, hiking, and arrowhead hunting.
In 1985, Judy embraced the challenging role of caregiver to her mother, Edith Edmondson, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. For 12 years, Judy demonstrated unwavering love, patience, and strength as she cared for her mother while continuing to raise her children.
Judy’s life was a testament to faith, love, selflessness, perseverance, and resilience. Her strong spiritual devotion was evident in her daily practice of studying the Bible, often spending quiet moments with her notebook and scripture.
In 2015, Judy and Robert relocated to Cloverport, Kentucky, to be closer to their daughter Edie. Despite the cultural change, Judy quickly formed meaningful friendships at Cloverport Methodist Church. She embraced new hobbies such as gardening, painting, and golf, and created cherished memories through travel and adventure in her retirement years.
Judy was preceded in death by her brother George Earl Edmondson and her parents, Walter and Edith Edmondson.
She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years Robert; her son Matthew (Emalie) Murdoch and grandchildren Brie and Adrianna of Prairie Village, Kansas; her daughter Edie (Mitch) Jackson of Cloverport, Kentucky; sister-in-law Phyllis; nieces Pam, Lisa, Katherine, Edie, and Janet; and nephews Jack and Jim.
A celebration of Judy’s life was held on July 6 at Cloverport Methodist Church. Judy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Trent-Dowell Funeral Home in Hardinsburg, KY assisted the family with arrangements.