Judith Finnell

Judith Elaine Finnell of Denver, Colorado went to be with her Lord on June 14, 2025. We celebrate the freedom from the throes of her earthly frame. God untethered her so she could take flight and welcomed her with open arms into her eternal home in His glorious presence. Judy was born just five days before spring in the vast and beautiful farm lands of northwest Iowa. She was welcomed home to the family dairy farm, in Sioux Center, on March 15, 1940 to the strong hands and loving arms of Albert and Lyde DeVries.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband Dennis Mouw of Sioux Center, and her husband Mike Finnell of Denver.

She is survived by her children Denise Vander Ploeg (Ron), Mike Kosters (Caron),

Kim Bylsma (Tim), Kevin Kosters (Ashley), her stepchildren Vicki Conant, Cindy Lancaster,

Mike Finnell (Sarah), grandchildren Suzanne Vander Ploeg, Tim Vander Ploeg (Kelli),

Miranda Olsen (Taylor), Eric Kosters (Renee), Stephanie Brooks (Nick), Gerrit Bylsma (Christy),

Graham Bylsma (Heather), Ethan Bylsma, Elizabeth Mann (Nathaniel), Lindsey Graham (Cory),

Jesse Finnell (Melisa), Kristina Holloway (Shane), Garrett Holloway, Luke Finnell, Noah Finnell, and Joel Finnell,

her great-grandchildren Conner Vander Ploeg, Karli Vander Ploeg, Chase Vander Ploeg, Jaxon Brooks,

Kendall Brooks, Forrest Bylsma, Dakota Bylsma, Sawyer Bylsma, Elsie Bylsma, Isabella Graham, Cory Graham,

Jayden Beaver, Jackson Finnell, and Meadow Finnell, Daekin Holloway, and Silas Holloway

her siblings Avan DeVries, Jean Feekes, and Cheryl Kunz, cousins, nephews and nieces and their children in Colorado, Iowa and throughout the United States.

Judy grew up as an Iowa farm girl, along with her siblings, under the leadership of her parents. She was raised in an atmosphere of hard work, love and faith. Judy enjoyed telling stories of her childhood and growing up in the Northwest Iowa culture that was very dear to her heart. She excelled in school, 4-H and throughout her youth, gained strong skills and appreciation of the bonds of family, friendships, cooking, milking cows, butchering chickens and keeping an organized household.

In 1956, Judy married Dennis Mouw in Sioux Center. The two of them established their home and they raised two children Denise Joy and Michael Jay. In August of 1958, Dennis passed away tragically in a work related accident. With a broken heart and resilience, Judy took on the role of being a single parent. With the grace of God, Judy nurtured Denise and Mike with all the love, strength and character she could muster. A couple years passed and she met John Kosters, one of her neighbors in Sioux Center. Eventually, the two of them were married in June of 1960. This new family of four moved from their hometown to Denver, Colorado so John could continue his education. In the early 60s, there were two new arrivals to the family. Kimberly Jean and Kevin John completed the family of six. This family had many memories and adventures together. However, some marriages reach complications that lead to the unfortunate decision of divorce. In the late 70’s, Judy met Mike Finnell. A new bond formed between the two of them. They were married in October of 1979. They celebrated life and many milestones. They remained together to the very end. Mike passed away April 21, of 2025.

Judy took pride in keeping her home welcoming, cozy, and clean. Family, friends were greeted with a hug and a smile. She enjoyed special events, birthdays, and holidays. These happenings gave her reason to make special plans and to be busy in the kitchen. You could see the joy and skill when she assembled her famous recipes. She knew her family well and would entice them with a favorite family dish. Judy used her kitchen to the full extent and blessed family, neighbors, and coworkers with meals and treats that filled their tummies and their souls. With each bite of food, you could taste the love and attention she put into it.

Over the years she held down many positions that required her financial acuity, and attention to detail. Her skills were appreciated in department stores, the Denver Water Department, beauty shops, and at home. Judy formed fond relationships with those she worked with. She experienced the value of friendship at work, church, her neighborhood, and during the last year of her life at Clermont Park: Senior Living Community. Judy spoke about cherished friendships that were rekindled from years ago to newly formed relationships in the Clermont community. The past couple months Judy formed new connections and was grateful for the staff, nurses, and care providers.

The most important work Judy was proud of was raising her four dear children. Her face was radiant when she held her grandchildren and great-grandchildren for the first time. Judy absolutely loved babies. She loved her family and checked in with her children regularly with her special phone calls which included her unforgettable giggles and the “I love you” to finish the call. Mom’s laughter, hugs, prized meals, bountiful baked goods, phone calls, priceless expressions of love will never be replaced. God planted Judy, in this endearing soul, on this earth for eight and a half decades. We are blessed to call her Mom, Grandma, and cherished friend. We love you!

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 28th at 10:00am at Hope Fellowship Christian Reformed Church, Denver CO. The service can be livestreamed at https://boxcast.tv/view/celebration-of-life-for-judy-finnell-eelydnbd40oqfia87mpx

Interment will be held at a later date in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Sioux Center, Iowa.