Judy Lee Ewell

Judith (Judy) Lee Ewell, 83, of Arlington, Texas, passed on October 18, 2023. She was the daughter of Donald Eugene [Moretti] Williams and Juanita Verona (Potter) Williams. The three started their lives in Long Beach, California. When Judy was nine, her mother separated from Don and moved to San Bernardino. Judy soon followed. In 1948, Juanita married Lloyd W. King. Judy married her high school sweetheart, George Thurston Finkle, Jr., in 1958. They had three children: George III, James Roy, and Melissa Anne. In 1970, Judy separated from George and then married Wallace Edmund Ewell in 1972. Wally was in the Marine Corps and was stationed in 29 Palms, California. In 1972, Wally received orders to transfer to recruiting duty in Savannah, Georgia. Judy, Wally, and the three kids loaded up into her 1967 Volkswagen and started a lifelong adventure of living in assorted places across the United States.

Judy went to work for Associates Financial Services soon after graduating from San Bernardino High School in 1957. She left Associates to stay home and take care of her family. She returned to Associates for a brief time to support herself as a single mother. She worked for the Federal Crop Insurance Bureau when the family was stationed in College Station, Texas. In 1980, she received her Associate in Applied Science in Accounting from Coastal Carolina Community College. In the 1980s, she volunteered for nearly ten years at the National Archives in Fort Worth, indexing census records. She had a passion for family history and filled about 20 volumes of her family history.

Judy was a very staunch and independent woman. She adapted to the life of a military wife with ease. She kept everyone on time, on schedule, and on task; she kept her home in meticulous order. She stretched Wally’s military pay; no one went without. Later in life, she served the role of an executive’s wife. She supported Wally above and beyond the call of duty. Together, they made a true partnership and always served a common goal. Theirs was a true love story; they were soulmates.

Wally retired from the Marine Corps in 1980 and went to work for the Texas Highway Department (TXDoT). Judy did all she could to support him. Wally passed away in 2004 at home from a pulmonary embolism. This started a new chapter for Judy. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease a few years after Wally passed away. She continued her independent life gardening and working on her family history. As the Parkinson’s progressed, she did less and less.

Judy taught her children to be as independent as she was. She leaves behind a legacy of drive and encouragement.

Judy is predeceased by her parents, Donald Eugene [Moretti] Williams and Juanita Verona (Potter) Williams; a step-father, Lloyd W. King; husband Wallace Edmund Ewell; her daughter, Melissa Anne Hall; and best friend, Shirley McCart. She is survived by her sons George Thurston Finkle, III (Jerry), James Roy Ewell (Dorrie); grandsons Blaine Hall, Ryan Ewell, and Austin Ewell; and several great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Pam (Ewell) Giles (Micheal); their children Lauren and Tyler; and good friends Charlotte, Vicki, and June.

Wade Funeral Home, Arlington, Texas, will perform the cremation. In accordance with Judy’s handwritten last wishes, burial will be at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, with a private graveside remembrance at a later date by immediate family.

Judy always told her children, “Send me my flowers now; don’t wait until I’m dead to do it.” In lieu of sending floral tributes, please send flowers to someone you love.