Judith Wood Obituary

Colonel, USAF, NC, (Ret)

Judy died after a valiant and very courageous battle against a rare and aggressive cancer. She was an inspiration to those who accompanied her on this journey.

Judy was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas on September 16, 1940. Her parents were Mary Louise Herschede and John Griffith Hoyt, Jr. Both preceded her in death. Her brother, John Griffith Hoyt, III (Jay) also preceded her in death. She married Edward Howe Wood on March 31, 1982 in Memphis; TN. Ed was a physician, and a Colonel in the US Air Force. They remained married for 33 cherished years.

She attended Summit Country Day School in Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated in 1958. She attended St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri and after four years graduated with a BSN degree in nursing.

Judy's first nursing job was in Detroit, Michigan working in Home Care Nursing during a period of dangerous rioting. She subsequently returned to Memphis, Tennessee to work for Baptist Hospital where she was tasked with initiating the Home Healthcare Program. In September of 1970, she received her commission in the US Air Force Nurse Corps. She served at five bases, the last of which, she was the 1st Chief Nurse at the new clinic at NATO Air Force Base, Geilenkirchen, Germany. She left active duty in September 1983 and entered the Active Reserve Force. She fulfilled her duties at the Air Force Academy hospital, Colorado Springs, CO. She achieved the rank of Colonel, and retired September 13, 2000, after 30 years of service. Her military awards include two Meritorious Service Medals, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Judy continued nursing as a Home Care Nurse for Pikes Peak Hospice, and Palliative Care in Colorado Springs until 1992.

She is survived by her husband Edward Howe Wood, Colorado Springs, Colorado; her sister, Ruth Hoyt Montague (Charlie); Niece Carol M. Stokes (Jack); and Nephews Robert M. Montague (Kay); David Hoyt Montague (Kelli), all of Memphis TN; Her half-sister Suzy Hoyt Chandler, from Memphis TN, and her half-brother James King Hoyt; Nephews Gregory Hoyt (Rebecca) and Brian Hoyt (Janie); Nieces Judy Callaway (Brian) and Mary Kristin Sartor (Lloyd). She is also survived by many beloved grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Judy was a member of the Society of Air Force Nurses. She was also an accomplished artist in oil painting. She had many friends in both groups.

She has been a member for Village Seven Presbyterian Church since 1990, and had numerous friends in bible study, and the congregation. Judy loved the lord deeply; believed strongly that she would be with Him now and for us not to grieve but to celebrate her new life. We shall forever cherish this lovely lady with the beautiful smile, and a heart full of love.

Services are September 10th, 2015. Visitation 1 - 2 PM, with services to follow.

Village Seven Presbyterian Church, 4040 Nonchalant Cir., South

Burial at Ft. Logan Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care, and the Springs Rescue Mission.