Obituary of Judy Garrett

Judy Strouts was born on March 23, 1939 at Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon to Harry A. and Maxine Marie Bunten Strouts. She joined older brother Merle and they were later followed by sister Gail (King). Judy grew up on SE Schiller Street where for many years; only the forest separated their home from Oaks Park. In fact, a wild bear was once trapped in their backyard. Judy attended Daniel A. Grout Elementary and later Cleveland High School, where she sang with the Clevelandaire ensemble. In later years would be hired as a soloist for many weddings and funerals. In earlier years, Judy worked as a waitress at her parent's restaurant/diner, The Lamplighter Grill, on SE Belmont Street, where her mother's pies were known throughout the region. Continuing her mother's legacy, Judy became a skilled baker of cookies, pies and cakes. Judy was a young girl in high school when she met the love of her life, Jim Garrett. He presented her with an engagement ring on her 17th Birthday. They later married on July 22, 1956 at St. Paul Lutheran Church and would have celebrated 56 years of marriage this year. Jim and Judy remained in Portland, Oregon and welcomed daughter Cheryl (1958) and son Ken (1960) before a brief relocation to Eugene, Oregon where daughter Lori (1963) was born. In 1965, after the birth of daughter Barbara, the family was finally complete. They would continue to reside on SE Kelly Street in Portland, Oregon for the next 13 years. Judy demonstrated daily activities of a faith filled life and also remained active in church activities. As a child, she celebrated both her Baptism and First Holy Communion at St. Ignatius Catholic Church. Later, she and Jim were active members of St. Paul Lutheran Church for more than 30 years. While at St. Paul Lutheran, Judy was the first woman to become President of Church Council. They later joined Beautiful Savior in the years following their move to Happy Valley, Oregon in 1978. She was active in Altar Guild, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and Adult small group Bible studies at both churches. In addition to volunteer positions within the church, Judy was employed by Christian Supply Bookstores where she worked as manager of several bookstores. Her most recent work was as a representative for Murphy Robes. Many local, and several international church and school choirs as well as government court officials now benefit from her custom orders. Judy's meticulous eye for detail made her an excellent seamstress. In earlier years, she sewed most of her own clothes as well as for her family. She also sewed countless uniforms for school and church plays as well as many projects to be sold at the St Paul Lutheran Church Bazaar. One of her most recent, challenging costumes was an automobile for a Vacation Bible School skit. Most people will agree that one of Judy's most memorable attributes was as a hostess. Though she was private and quite reserved, she loved entertaining friends, family and neighbors through the yearly Fourth of July Picnics, Thanksgiving Dinners (with the Zwicks), Christmas Dinners and frequent gatherings for birthdays and other events. She always made people comfortable in her quiet unassuming manner. She loved her grandchildren and enjoyed the annual family trips to Gearhart, as well as the annual Gearhart Basketball Tournaments. She attended countless school, church, 4H and sports events. She was able to easily include grandchildren in all of her activities regardless of their ages. Each felt special in their own way. Jim and Judy enjoyed travelling together throughout their marriage, but particularly in later years. Their trips included most of the United States (esp. Texas, Arizona, Oregon, Washington), British Columbia, England and the Holy Lands. Some of Judy's favorite hours were spent outdoors, tending her flowers, caring for her year-round hummingbirds, sitting on her swing, sipping iced tea. Keeping with her English roots, she and Jim rarely missed a simple daily afternoon tea. We will always treasure these memories. Judy is survived by husband Jim, brother Merle, son Ken (Sharon), daughters Cheryl Calcagno, Lori Garrett-Stone (Brad) and Barbra Tew (Larry) and grandchildren: Bryn Garrett, Rachel Schackart (Aaron), Hannah Garrett, James Calcagno, Mary Calcagno, Autumn Stone, Daniel Tew, Nathan Tew and Rebecca Tew. She was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Maxine Strouts and sister Gail King. Memorial contributions in Judy's name may be made to any one of the following Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 9800 SE 92nd Ave, Happy Valley, OR 97086; Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest, 2701 NW Vaughn St, Suite 140, Portland, OR 97210; or Portland Metro Arts, 9003 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97216 Service Information