On October 23, 2020, Judith Joann Tommerup Colbert passed away at home with her husband by her side, after a battle with ALS. She was 73 years old.
Judy was born in Omak, Washington, on January 10, 1947, to Alvin and Betty Tommerup. Until she was eleven, her parents and five younger brothers lived near Westby, Montana, from May to September while her dad was wheat farming. From October to April, the Tommerups lived in Malott, Washington, where her dad worked in an apple orchard. In 1958, Judy’s family stayed permanently on the farm. She developed a friendship with Sandra Elm that lasted a lifetime. Judy graduated from Westby High School in 1965.
Determined but a little nervous, Judy moved across the state to Dillon to attend Western Montana College. She enjoyed her years at Western, making many life-long friends, including Bob and Diane (Holyk) Johnston. In Dillon, she also met the love of her life, Mike Colbert. She earned a degree in elementary education in 1969.
Judy’s first teaching job was in Great Falls. She always smiled when she said that she took that job instead of one in Missoula, where Mike was then living, so that he would realize how much he loved her. It worked, and they were soon engaged. Mike and Judy were married on June 20, 1970.
For three years, Judy taught junior high at Woodman School outside Missoula, while Mike attended the University of Montana. Their daughter Heather was born on March 30, 1971. In 1973, the young family moved to Helena until 1975 when they moved to Townsend. Son Matthew was born on November 14, 1976.
Mrs. Colbert was a much-loved elementary school teacher in Townsend from 1975-2000. Once a student was in Mrs. Colbert’s class, that person was part of her extended family forever. During her illness, she received many messages and letters from students who described memories of red lipstick, laughter, learning, and love. In the words of a former fifth-grade student, “Your influence reaches beyond what you will ever know.”
Judy spent her retirement years quilting, scrapbooking, and travelling anywhere she could convince Mike to take her! Her greatest joy was spoiling her grandchildren – Heather and Jeff’s sons, Alec, born in 1997, and Michael, born in 2000, and Matt and Geneva’s daughter Delanie, born in 2005. Two other little girls, Fiona and Myla, were also spoiled and loved deeply by their adopted Nana. Judy was always an active member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church.
The family would like to thank all of the family and friends who have reached out with texts, phone calls, and letters, who have visited, and who have helped with various tasks, especially Eileen Ryce and Lee Nelson. You are much appreciated!
Judy was preceded in death by her parents Alvin and Betty Tommerup, brother-in-law Don Colbert, and her newborn daughter Katherine. She is survived by her loving husband Mike, daughter Heather (Jeff) Nehring of Manhattan, son Matthew (Geneva) Colbert of Belgrade, grandchildren Alec, Michael, and Delanie, brothers Randy (Helen) Tommerup of Dillon, Terry (Cathy) Tommerup of Worland, Wyoming, Jeff (Connie) Tommerup of Ft. Worth, Texas, Brian (Angie) Tommerup of Plentywood, Doug (Joan) Tommerup of Plentywood, sister Ellen of Oklahoma, brothers-in-law Phil (Jann) Colbert of Helena, Dave (Nancy Dahl) Colbert of Eureka, and sister-in-law Leota (John) Fred of Bozeman, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Due to Covid, a memorial service will be held for family only. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Broadwater Education Foundation, PO Box 732, Townsend, MT 59644, or Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 301 N. Cherry, Townsend, MT 59644.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Clayton & Sheryl McElravy says
Mike, Heather, Matt and family, we are so sorry. Judy was such a special friend to so many. We are thankful she was such a big part of our lives. We have many happy and fond memories to carry us through and we know you do too. Hugs to all of you.
Dave and Arliss Sakos says
Mike, Heather, Matt and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Judy was such a special person and so kind to our entire family. She will be missed. Hugs to you all.
Eileen Flynn says
Dear Mike, Heather and Matt,
Judy was a very special person always with a smile on her face she brightened your world whenever you saw her. She was an amazing teacher and touched the lives of many children forever. You are in my prayers as you mourn the loss of your wife and mother.
Michelle Lienemann Mikulin says
Your memory lives on with your loving family and friends. Condolences to the family. I will always have fond memories of my teacher.
Jeff Kirksey says
Mike, Heather, and Matt, thank you for sharing your wife and mom with a community that she blessed with her love, laughter, and learning. I have the fondest memories of her that still bring a smile to my face though I am well past fourth grade. Mrs. Colbert spoke value into my life at a difficult time and helped me gain a love for learning that continues today. Mrs. Colbert loved her students and we still love her. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom and Judy Arensmeyer says
Judy was bigger than life. She always had s smile, a hug, and a laugh. She left a positive make on everyone. She will be fondly remembered
Deb Chouinard says
Mike, Heather, and Matt, I am so sorry for your loss. Judy was such a wonderful woman . I always enjoyed the occasional opportunity to visit with her. I don’t think she ever knew a stranger, or at least you never felt like one. hold all the good memories close and let them be of comfort to you in the days ahead. Much love, Deb
Amber Rauser says
Dear Mike, Heather, Matthew and family:
Your mother has always been my favorite. She was a bright light and a joy. I’m deeply sorry for your loss and wish you peace in your hearts during this difficult time.
I will forever remember that laugh, those sparkling eyes, her bright lipstick stain on my cheeks and her love.
God Bless.
Laurie and Terry Nugent says
Our fond memories of life with Judy will last an eternity! Judy was always a comedian and could tell a story like no other. Our many trips with Mike and Judy and our families to watch the Jazz, to get away at holidays and to shop enriched our lives immensely. It was a life well-lived! Blessings!
Melinda Holom says
Going to miss you. You my special Winner Winner Chicken Dinner friend. Will always remember your smile and when close my eyes I will see you. Will see you again. Until then WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER.
Marilyn Been says
To the Colbert family you have our deepest sympathy. Townsend lost a wonderful lady. Larry and Marilyn Bean
Sharon Doig says
Condolences to Mike, Heather, Matthew and family. Always a smile and cheerful. Until we meet again 😢🙏🏻
Lynn Long says
Mike, Heather, and Matt: so sorry for your loss. I loved Judy’s smile. You were a lucky man Mike! I pray for comfort for all of you. Lynn
Christine and Frank Ryce says
We met the lovely Judy through our daughter Eileen Ryce and Lee Nelson. When our granddaughter Fiona was born we flew over from Scotland to help the new parents. Judy called in one day and told us she was asked to be a Nana to Fiona when Eileen returned to work. I remembered her words very clearly. “I told them (Eileen and Lee) I would only care for Fiona if we (the grandparents) agreed that she was suitable”. How could you not say no to Judy. She was a wonderful adopted Grandmother to Fiona and we are eternally grateful to her. We do share a birthday (as it turns out I am three hours older than Judy). We will miss you when we visit family in Manor Drive, Townsend. RIP Judy.
Yours two wee Scottish friends Christine and Frank.
Meagan Flynn-Mesmer says
So many fond memories of projects and activities of my time in her 4th grade classroom (and I also remember the occasional gentle scolding for my trying to be sneaky and passing notes in class!). A lovely and kind woman who helped shape so many of us Townsend kiddos at a very impressionable age. Thoughts and prayers with your family on this great loss!
Merla Wilkerson says
Mike and family, so very sorry to hear this news. Judy (Mrs. Colbert to many) will be so missed. Many wonderful memories of her teaching. She left a big impact on many lives.
Sue Hensley says
What an absolutely beautiful woman! I have admired and respected her since the day I met her many years ago. May she rest in peace. My deepest sympathies to you all.
Sally says
Mike, It was a joy to meet you and Judy. She was such a joyful person- and a great quilter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sally and Jan Werner
Amarillo, TX
Sharie Babb says
Sending condolences from the Sofil familiy. Sending hugs and Prayers for peace for you all.
Sandra Elm says
How can I begin to tell all the Judy stories I have. She was a blessing to have in my life and a friend forever! Like all of you , I can still see her smile and that infectious laugh she had. I am so glad I got to spend precious time with her when when they celebrated their 50th anniversary this year. Rest In Peace my dear friend. You are loved!
Jeri Peters(Johnson) says
Thank you for sharing such an amazing person with so many of us. Mrs. Colbert will always be one of my favorite teachers. Her classroom was a safe place not just for me but for all of her students. I don’t think there was ever a teacher like her! She wasn’t shy of giving her students a kiss on a check with her red lips or giving out her warm hugs at the exact right time! And when she read out load daily from a chapter book she could calm the wildest of children down cause her voice was so smoothing. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten! God bless.
John and Kathy McNulty says
Mike, Matt, Heather, my heart breaks for your loss. Judy was bigger than life itself and gave her all to everyone. She left a mark in our families life that will be treasured always. Her infectious laugh and ability to be positive no matter what was a true gift. I will miss our long talks and silly outings. Prayers and heartfelt sympathy.
Gayle Overgaard says
Judy. There is so much to say about this wonderful lady. Judy and I became friends in high school. We were in band together and played saxophone. I sat next to her as second sax, and we laughed and had such a good time. She graduated two years ahead of me, and we kind of lost touch, but I will never forget the good times we had in school and out-and-about in Westby. Her beautiful smile, her sense of humor, her kindness–things that will be in my heart forever. My sympathy to all her family.
Val Hornsveld says
Mike, Heather, Matt and families,
We all have such fond memories of our Judy (Mrs. Colbert). You are all in our thoughts and prayers
and the memories of Judy will get you through tough days ahead. I just remember stories she told us and
the good times we shared when we visited. She was one of a kind… One of those people everyone loved!
Love to you All!
Kelly Eileen McArdle says
What a beautiful lady and wonderful teacher. So lucky to have had Mrs. Colbert in my life. My deepest condolences.
Judy Snellman says
To the family of mrs Colbert:
What an absolute joy it was to be around Queen Judith! She was such an inspiration. I loved her infectious laugh and I know she will be missed so much! My sincere condolences. Judy and Frank Snellman
Erna Søndergaard Pedersen says
Du var en af de første jeg fik kontakt til af mine slægtninger. Og du bragte mig i kontakt med flere af mine slægtninger. Det er jeg dybt dig taknemlig for og det skal du have en stor tak for. Mine tanker går til hele mine slægtninger over hele verden og især dig Judy og din familie
Erna Søndergaard Pedersen says
Til Judy familie
Judy var en af de første jeg fik kontakt til af mine slægtninger. Og du bragte mig i kontakt med flere af mine slægtninger. Det er jeg dybt dig taknemlig for og det skal du have en stor tak for. Mine tanker går til hele mine slægtninger over hele verden og især dig Judy og din familie
Kurt Rauser says
I’m so sorry for your loss What a wonderful person, I will never forget the day Blaine White tackled me down so she could put the big red kiss on my face for forgetting my homework. I loved her from that day forward. Had some great times with her and she will be missed deeply
Ginny Poole says
I am sorry for your loss. Judith J was a favorite friend and helped me in many ways. Always dressed to the “nines” with fingernail polish, red lipstick, and her beautiful smile. She is gone too soon.
Karyn Campbell-Olsen says
I loved Mrs. Colbert, she was my absolute favorite teacher. I think I was in her first 5th grade class in Townsend Schools. I know she made a difference in my life and I’ll never forget her.
Dana Hall says
Mike and family, It was such a pleasure to be a part of Judy’s life. She was an inspiration to all with whom she came in contact. Her beautiful smile, hugs, and love radiated her love of life and all who knew her. She will be very deeply missed.