Judith Elaine Straw, known as Judy, passed away from this life unexpectedly on April 13, 2026, in Villisca, Iowa, at the age of 70, and now rests in the peace of her Lord and Savior.
She was born on July 7, 1955, in Clarinda, Iowa, where her life’s first chapters were written among the familiar fields and faithful hearts of southwest Iowa. Judy was the daughter of Donald and Jean Mascher. She was a woman of Christian faith, and in that faith, she met both the joys and sorrows of her life with grace, trust, and quiet courage.
Judy was baptized in 1955 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Judy attended Immanuel Lutheran School from grades one through eight, and then continued her education at Clarinda High School, where she graduated in 1974. After graduation, she trained to be a CNA and worked as such for a short time. Later she became a laborer at the popcorn plant in Hamburg.
The greater part of her days was devoted to being a stay-at-home mother to her four boys.
Judy was united in marriage to Roger “Gene” Straw Sr. On December 28th, 1974. To that union four sons were born: Aaron, Gene, Jamie and Brian.
In her younger years, Judy found delight in gardening, canning, and riding horses. She knew the simple joys of a hard day’s work in the garden and the beauty of the earth, and she tended both with patience and care. She was ever a maker of good things, and it was said of her that she was always cooking up something. Whether she prepared fried bread or homemade oyster stuffing, her table was sure to satisfy both hunger and heart. Such gifts, though humble in the eyes of the world, were in truth rich treasures, for through them, she fed not only the body, but the fellowship of family and friends.
Judy also held a deep affection for animals, and throughout her life she especially enjoyed loving all cats and dogs. She also found pleasure in the small and cheerful pastimes that brightened her days, of playing UNO, Solitaire, and Bingo, coloring velvet posters, and working word find puzzles. These simple joys were part of the fabric of her life, and they spoke to a soul that knew how to find light in little things.
Above all else, Judy cherished her family. She is survived by her brother Chester Mascher and Marilyn of Clarinda, Iowa; her sister Maxine Bohannon and Bud of Norwalk, Iowa; her brother Marvin Mascher and Sherril of Clarinda, Iowa; and her sons Aaron Straw of Mt. Ayr, Iowa, Roger “Gene” Jr. Straw of Bedford, Iowa, Jamie Straw of Villisca, Iowa, and Brian Straw of Sidney, Iowa. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren, many other relatives, and friends, all of whom will long remember her love, her laughter, and her steadfast presence.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Jean Mascher, husband Roger “Gene” Straw Sr., her nephew Paul Mascher, and her infant granddaughters Rachael Elaine Straw and Zaylee Ann Blystone. Though these losses were heavy, Judy bore sorrow with the quiet endurance of one who trusts in the mercy of God, and now she is reunited with those who went before her.
Those who knew Judy will remember a woman whose life, though not adorned with worldly grandeur, was made beautiful by faith, devotion, and love. May her memory be cherished and may those who loved her take comfort in the promise of eternal life, where sorrow is ended and peace is made complete.
