Judith Jane Fleming

Funeral Service Link

Sibley, IA 

     Judy Fleming age 90 of Sibley, Iowa died Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the Country View Manor in Sibley.

     Visitation will be Friday, May 24th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM with the family present at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley, IA.

     Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Sibley, IA, with Reverend Steve Swenson officiating.

     Burial will follow in the Holman Township Cemetery of Sibley.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: The Sibley Ocheyedan Educational Foundation or to the United Church of Christ of Sibley.

     Judith Jane Fleming was born on December 19th, 1933 to Keith and Jane Merrick in Sibley Iowa.  Keith and Jane had moved to Sibley that year to found the Keith M Merrick Co.  Following Judy’s growing up and graduating from Sibley High School in 1951 she attended Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa.  It was there that she met Loren (Mike) Fleming.  They were married on August 1, 1952.  They began their married life together in Fort Leonardwood, MO where she was an Army wife and they welcomed their first child Michael. After Mike completed his service requirements, Mike began his coaching and teaching career in Reinbeck, Iowa and they welcomed their second child Nancy.  They then moved to Spirit Lake Iowa where he continued his coaching and teaching career.  In 1961 they moved to Sibley, Iowa where Mike joined Keith in helping run the Keith Merrick Co., and they welcomed their third child Timothy.  Judy continued her love of homemaking and entertaining.

     As their life in Sibley blossomed, Judy became more involved in the Sibley community.  She was involved in fundraising for the new hospital as part of Klub Kwiz.  Once the hospital was built she became a part of the Hospital Auxiliary and organized the Candy Striper program, which helped develop many of the nurses in the Sibley area.  Judy was actively involved in the PEO Sisterhood since 1964.

     Judy was well known for her entertaining and quick wit.  She started writing a weekly column for the Sibley Gazette titled, Sugar and Spice which combined these talents.  Judy and Mike opened the Yankee Doodle Drummer on Main Street in Sibley in 1976.  This unique ice cream and gift shop served the Sibley community for a number of years.  During this time Judy also served as a Sunday school teacher and President of the Woman’s Fellowship at the UCC church in Sibley.  

     In 1978, her husband Mike died of a sudden heart attack at the age of 46.  This led Judy down a new path and she took over as President of the Keith Merrick Co.  Judy continued on this path until she retired in 1999, handing the reigns of the company to her son Michael.

     Upon retirement, she continued to stay active.  Judy served on the Osceola Community Hospital board.  She helped start Bright Spots, an organization that helped raise funds for school supplies.  Judy served on the UCC fellowship board and was also a Trustee and Deacon.  She continued to enjoy her time cooking for friends and family.   She was an avid reader, and bridge player, and loved watching sports on TV.  Judy enjoyed the laughter and joy of her children and spouses, 9 grandkids and spouses, and 11 great-grandchildren.

      Judy was thankful for her time with the residents and staff of Heartwood Heights and Country View Manor over her last 7 years.

      Judy is survived by her daughter Nancy (Marty) Gillespie of Austin TX, her son Tim (Joan) Fleming, of Elkhorn NE, daughter-in-law Lois Fleming of Sibley, and 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

     Judy was preceded in death by her husband Mike, her parents Keith and Jane Merrick, and her son Michael. 

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