Judie Didriksen

(From Freeman Mortuary)

Judith Anne “Judie” Didriksen, age 83, of Jefferson City, Mo, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Boone Hospital, surrounded by her family.

She was born on September 26, 1940, in Joplin, Mo., a daughter to the late Leon Delois “Jack” and Dorothy (Hightower) Greathouse. After meeting the day after Thanksgiving in 1980, she was united in marriage to William Ralph Didriksen on May 31, 1981. Together, they shared nearly 43 wonderful years and a lifetime of memories.

After graduating from Joplin High School in 1958, Judie began her career in the early 60s in Washington, D.C., working for US Senator William Hungate. Upon moving to Jefferson City, she worked for Drs. Hancock, Strong, and Giffen, before joining the State of Missouri in the early 70s, where she contributed to the newly created Division of Energy until her retirement in 1997. A pioneer in her field, she worked hard and achieved the title of Energy Program Director. Her dedication was recognized with numerous awards, including the DNR Employee of the Month.

Throughout her life, Judie devoted herself to various endeavors, including her involvement with Scouts and the Jay Band Boosters in the 70s as her boys grew up. She owned and operated The Country Peddler craft store in the early 80s before returning to work for the State of Missouri. Notably, she became an advocate for recovery in 1990, working with organizations like Crossroads Recovery Center and the Missouri Recovery Network. She worked with teen groups and Al-Anon couples. From 2007-2013, Judie served on the national board as Regional Representative for the Faces and Voices of Recovery.

A collector of Hall China and Jewel Tea, Judie served as President of the National Autumn Leaf Collectors Club from 2014-2020. She was an active member of the River City Collectors Guild and a founding member of the Jefferson City Renegades. Additionally, she cherished attending musicals and plays, supporting community theaters, and especially enjoyed the Christmas holiday season, where she delighted in displaying her Colonial Village buildings and spending time with family.

She was deeply devoted to her family, attending all events her grandchildren were involved in, from band competitions, concerts, choir performances, dance recitals and softball tournaments. Many memorable trips were taken with her family that were highlights in her life including visits to New Orleans, the Grand Canyon, and The Orange Bowl. Traveling with her sister across Europe during their retirement was a special time that they both cherished.

Her compassionate and kind nature allowed her to excel in all that she was involved in. While she often communicated with urgency and directness, she also possessed a bubbly spirit and sarcastic sense of humor, which helped her connect with people of all walks of life. She was a beautiful woman inside and out and left a remarkable impact on the world around her.

Survivors include her husband, Will; sons, Jack Cartee (Lisa), DeWayne Cartee (Michelle), and Joel Didriksen (Shannon Boyle); daughter, Katie Didriksen; and grandchildren, Alyssa Cartee (Ryan Luce), Ashley Cartee (Josh Mathews), and Ethan Cartee (Amanda).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Dorothy, and sister, Patsy Perkins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at Freeman Mortuary.

For those desiring, memorial contributions are suggested to Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR), 10 G Street NE, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20002, or the Jefferson City Renegades, 1922 Missouri Blvd Suite F, Jefferson City, MO 65109.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101