Judy Kay (Hollenbeck) Walz was born August 12, 1944 in Ainsworth NE to Doyle and Vera (Patterson) Hollenbeck.   She received her elementary education at a rural school near Long Pine, NE.  Judy graduated from Ainsworth High School and continued her education at Kearney State College where she received her Bachelors of Education degree.  She received her Master's degree from Sinte Gleska University in Mission, SD.

Judy married Jerry Lee Walz August 22, 1963 in Ogallala, NE.  This marriage was blessed with three children.

She began her teaching career at District # 8 in Arthur County, NE and was a long-term substitute at McPherson County, NE.   Judy loved teaching and her career continued at Merriman Elementary, District # 45 and Dist. # 31, all in Cherry County.  She also taught at St. Francis Indian School in St. Francis, South Dakota for 24 Years and as a substitute teacher at Cody Kilgore Unified School in Cody, NE.

Judy was a member of the United Methodist Church in Cody.  She loved watching Cody-Kilgore athletics and going to Rosebud Casino.  Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren, family and friends.

Judy passed away March 16, 2018 at Cherry County Hospital in Valentine at age 73.  She was preceded in death by her parents Vera Rose (Sally) and Doyle Hollenbeck and Brother Larry (Linda) Hollenbeck.

She is survived by her husband Jerry of Cody, children Kathy (Joe) Thaller of Lincoln, Jeff (Lisa) Walz of Cook, NE and Kirk (Elizabeth) Walz of Valentine, grandchildren Tyleir Hofker, Braxton Walz, and Jace and Chance Thaller.  Also surviving is Sister Joyce Micheel of Long Pine, NE.

Funeral service for Judy Walz age 73 of Cody will be held on Thursday, March 22 at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church in Valentine.  Burial will be at a later date.  Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 21 at 2:00 PM at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine.  Mrs. Walz passed away on March 16 in Valentine.  Memorials may be made to the Sandhills Cancer Fund.