Judith Ann Dauw died October 15, 2026, after a long and rewarding life of 86 years. Her wife, Rebecca, and family were by her side. Many friends and family who were unable to be with her personally, called to express their love and to wish her a quiet and peaceful journey.

Jude was the first of three daughters, born to Albert and Leone Willer Dauw, in Moline, Illinois. She was raised in the Quad-Cities area of northern Iowa and southern Minnesota. Following her high school graduation from the Villa de Chantal, Jude joined the religious order of Sisters of the Holy Cross. She remained in the order for 7 years, leaving just before taking final vows. The sisters took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Jude always said that poverty and chastity were manageable, but obedience was simply beyond her reach.

After leaving the convent, Jude pursued graduate work in fine arts, but soon the need to earn a living required a change of plans. She embarked on a long career of supervisory and managerial jobs, ranging from copy writer to manager of a retail outlet, to VP of Operations of a manufacturing firm. She retired to north-central Arkansas in 2002. Jude and Rebecca built a house on a ridge overlooking Bull Shoals Lake, where they enjoyed nature: watching birds, the occasional bobcat and bear, snakes, bugs, and turtles. Also, hailstorms, ferocious winds and rain, ice storms and snow.

Jude will be remembered for being courageous, capable, decisive, and strong. Also charismatic, in a quiet way. She was in charge of most group activities that needed leadership. She knew how to get her ducks in a row! Jude was always an ally of the underdog and a nightmare to the unjust. She was a gifted artist. She loved all animals. Most of all, Jude loved her “Becky”.

Jude is survived by her life partner and wife of 45 years, Rebecca Glasscock; sister, Carol Jean Melendez; nephews, Aaron Hatz and Mark Lokowich; and niece, Gretchen Hatz. Also surviving her, are brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Te and Kathleen Turner; and brother-in-law, Robert Glasscock.

Special thanks to nephew and niece, Reed and Holly Palo for their love. Reed and Holly have become family and are carrying on their lives on the ridge-top that Jude and Rebecca fell in love with all those years ago.

Thanks to Hospice of the Ozarks for everything, especially Janine, Sarah, and Misty. Thanks also to Hospice House for being so gentle with Jude in her final days and hours. For those wishing to make a gift in Jude’s honor, please donate to Hospice of the Ozarks, Mountain Home, AR.

Services for Jude are private.

Arrangements are by Kirby & Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.