Judith Marie Mattson passed away on April 22, 2025, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, joining her loving husband Andrew in heaven.
Judith was born on Oct. 7, 1948, to Wesley and Betty Graves, and was the oldest of three children. She graduated from Grantsburg High School in 1966. She then attended vocational school in Rice Lake from 1966-1968. Judith then worked at the First Bank of Grantsburg for 8 years (1968-1976).
On Oct. 19, 1976, Judith married Andrew Mattson at First Baptist Church of Falun, Wisconsin. She then moved to Almena, Wisconsin, to start her married life with Andy. She worked one summer at Stokley’s in Cumberland, Wisconsin, in 1977. Judy started babysitting in 1977 and did so for 26-1/2 years. Through the years Judy cared for over 30 children.
Judy’s favorite and most enjoyable occupation was daycare. Judy offered kindness, generosity, and nurturing to her daycare “kids.” Although she did not have any children, she adored her nieces, nephews, and her daycare “kids.”
Judy enjoyed gardening, canning, freezing, and embroidery. Her peonies were her pride and joy. Always an avid reader, she kept up on all the local news.
After Andy passed away, an angel, Stephanie Roberts, came into Judy’s life. Stephanie, sister of Judy’s heart, was encouraging and fun. They became close friends and enjoyed many excursions and adventures; which always included teasing and laughter. Stephanie’s family made Judy one of their own.
She is survived by her sisters, Bonnie Olson and Linda (Marvin) Slayton; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Morris (Carol) Mattson; aunt, Adeline Ingalls; nieces and nephews and their families, Polly, Heather, Daniel, Joshua, Lisa, Tina and Janean and several great-nieces and -nephews; other relatives and friends; and her adopted family, Stephanie (Bruce) Roberts and Kevin and Scott and their families.
Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew (July 15, 2017); her parents, Wesley and Betty Graves; brother-in-law, Donald Olson; and her beloved dog, Cody.
Funeral services are to be held Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Almena with Pastor Ike Nicholson officiating. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service at church. Private family burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Webster, Wisconsin, next to her husband Andrew.
Pallbearers are Kevin Roberts, Scott Roberts, Emily Roberts, Damian Allen, Dezmund Allen and Raven Allen.
Honorary pallbearer is Steven Thomas.
Arrangements were entrusted to Skinner Funeral Home in Cumberland.
