Judith Rae (Peterson) Dean, age 78, of Centralia, departed suddenly to be with the Lord on April 25, 2023. She was born on March 13, 1945 in Minot, North Dakota, to Christ and Faye Peterson. In 1965, Judy married her high school sweetheart, Larry Dean, on December 26, and they celebrated 58 years together.
Judy has survived and will be greatly missed by her husband, Larry Dean; two children, Paul (Erika) Dean and David (Jana) Dean; grandchildren, Samuel (Reagan) Dean, Olivia Dean, Wilson Dean and Ava Dean; sister, JoAnn Hemenway; brother, Wes (Kay) Peterson; and sister, Janet (Chris) Burt; along with numerous nieces and nephews of hers.
He grew up on a farm in North Dakota and eventually moved to Centralia, Washington, where he attended school and graduated from Centralia High School. She then attended Centralia College to earn her associate’s degree and then Central Washington University until she married Larry. Larry was called up to serve in the army and they moved to Fitchburg, Massachusetts. After Larry was sent to Vietnam, Judy returned to Centralia, where she had her first child, Paul. After Vietnam, Larry, Judy, and Paul moved to Hawaii, where Larry finished his tour of duty. In Hawaii, Judy had a daughter, Krista Rae Dean, who died at birth.
They returned to Cheney, Washington, where Judy had her second child, David, and worked raising her children. Her family was her passion and she was a devoted wife and mother. She worked for the Agnew Corporation as a secretary and then for 17 years as an Educator’s Assistant at Centralia High School, where she retired in 2008. She enjoyed gardening, traveling, German chocolate cake, and all activities with family and friends.
Judy was known as a loving, kind and fun soul and everyone who came into Dean’s house was welcomed and showed love, laughter and joy. Judy was a fantastic mother, but her passion was her grandchildren and she really enjoyed being a grandmother. She never missed an opportunity to support any sporting or special event that her children and grandchildren had. Every member of the family adored and loved her immensely.
Judy loved the Lord. She was active in the church throughout her life and dedicated to her family and friends. She will be remembered for her sweet smile and her loving nature.
Judy’s parents, Christ and Faye Peterson, and their daughter, Krista Dean, preceded her in death, where she joined them in the presence of the Lord.
Services and a celebration of life will be held at 2 pm on June 24 at Calvary Chapel in Centralia.
