Judith Carol DeJong-Radebaugh

Judith “Judy” Carol Kalmbach was born on April 6, 1940, to the proud parents of Donald Alvin Kalmbach and Vivian Ruth Crow in Detroit, Michigan. Judy and her little sister Ruth were inseparable as children. During her childhood, Judy showed an early talent for drawing.

Judy graduated from Birmingham High School in 1958 where she played basketball. She studied design and drawing at the University of Michigan and graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science in design along with a teacher’s certificate. Her major was Drawing and a minor in Speech. She was a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta, a national honor society which recognizes academic excellence among 1st year college students. She enjoyed ice skating and bowling as a teenager. She was also musically talented, playing the piano and the accordion.

Judy married Ray Radebaugh on August 25th, 1962. They were blessed with Michael, Keith and Carol during this marriage. In 1966, the family relocated to Colorado.

Judy was a graphic artist with Adams County School District Twelve for almost 20 years, where she designed many brochures and other literature. She designed the district’s logo that is still in use today. Judy’s final employer was Walgreens, where she loved interacting with customers and maintaining the greeting cards display. Later she began to design and craft her own intricate cards which were loved by every one who received them, especially her family.

Judy later married Robert DeJong, an Army veteran who served stateside during the Vietnam War.

From her mother, Judy inherited a love of gardening. She transformed the yard at her home into a xeriscape garden oasis where she spent many hours.

A woman of many talents, her other hobbies included painting, photography, Bunka embroidery, crocheting, and ceramics. Each grandchild received a personal handmade crocheted blanket. She also made special Broncos hats and scarves for her great-grands.

Judy trained herself to become an expert genealogy researcher. Creating genealogy books for each of her children as well as her nephew Kyle. These detailed family history books and her other genealogy records will be treasured by her family for many years to come.

Most of her art and genealogy projects were not only for her own enjoyment but also gifts for those whom she loved. She was very generous!

Grandma Judy loved family gatherings with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She attended many events such as football and basketball games as well as dance recitals, graduations and weddings. She made her love and presence known and deeply felt.

Judith was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Vivian; her sister, Ruth; her brother-in-law, Gary Kidd; and her spouse, Robert DeJong.

Judith Carol DeJong-Radebaugh was called home to rest with the Lord on April 8, 2026. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Michael Radebaugh, Keith (Delon) Radebaugh, and Carol (Doug) James; her grandchildren, Kaleb, Rachel (Nathan), Kara, Jarred (Malorie), Jordan, Jonah (Lizette), Hannah, April, and Sarah (Ryan); her great-grandchildren, Luca, Logan, Leah, Ivy, Breanna, Merianne, Adelie, and Carleigh; as well as her nephew, Kyle Kidd, and many dear friends.

Judith Carol DeJong-Radebaugh taught her family to love God and set an example of what it means to love others. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.