JUDITH ANN MCGAHUEY STERLING

JUDITH ANN MCGAHUEY STERLING

Judith Ann McGahuey Sterling was born on October 1, 1942, in Ringgold County, Iowa, and died on Sunday, October 25, 2015, in Dallas,Texas. 

Although born and raised in Iowa, for most of her adult life she made her home in Dallas. She was a Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of Texas, and she had a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Arkansas earned in 1970. Judy was very proud of her professional career of over 40 years where in her various employment positions she specialized in behavioral health services for improving the lives of others. 

Judy was a compassionate and gentle person who loved life, family and friends, animals, her home, and beauty. She particularly loved the beauty of nature, and after her retirement three years ago, she volunteered at the Dallas Arboretum, enjoying the time she spent there and the friends she made. 

Of particular joy to Judy’s life was her marriage to Robert (Woody) Sterling who preceded her in death on January 21, 2001. They shared an extraordinary love for each other and enjoyed a life of mutually shared interests for over 21 years before his death. She was also preceded in death by her father, Charles McGahuey. Judy leaves behind her family, friends, and precious girl cats, Callie and Allie. Immediate family members who survive her are her mother, Helen McGahuey of Mount Ayr, Iowa; brother and sister-in-law, Barry and Gretchen McGahuey of Wesley, Iowa; nephew, Ian McGahuey and family of 29 Palms, California, niece, Megan Parker and family of 29 Palms, California, stepdaughter, Heather Danuzsar; family of Connecticut; and step-daughter, Krista Sterling of New Hampshire. She also leaves behind treasured friends who helped her and loved her during her illness. 

A Memorial Service was held at 12 o’clock noon, immediately followed by a reception for family and friends on Friday, October 30, 2015, at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home.