Judy Ekenstam

On the evening of October 8th, 2026, our cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend Judith Ann Ekenstam, flew somewhere over the rainbow to reunite with her husband Gene.

Born on May 24th, 1942, in Newport, Washington, to Charles Avery and Alma Rose Bennett DeMoss, Judy was the youngest daughter out of thirteen children. She grew up on a farm in the small town of Priest River, in Northern Idaho. She treasured her childhood and upbringing despite growing up during difficult times. She often joked about how she had to walk to school uphill both ways and about drinking milk straight from the cow.

After graduating from high school, she moved to Anaheim, CA, where she met a handsome sailor by the name of Gene Joseph Ekenstam. They were married on April 29th, 1961, and together they built a life full of adventure and love. We are convinced that being raised with eight brothers, prepared her to be married to him for 65 years.

They settled in Tooele, UT, where they raised their three daughters Leann, Barbara, and Louise. Judy spent her working years as a seamstress, but her most rewarding work came off the clock making homemade costumes, dresses, and clothing repairs for her family. They say behind every great man is an even greater woman and that was no exception here. Every minute of Judy’s free time was spent, sometimes begrudgingly, supporting Gene’s many hobbies and endeavors.

Judy’s greatest passions were the Utah Jazz and being “Grandma.” She was a season ticket holder and attended nearly every home game for over 25 years. In her grandma duties, she became a lover of Nintendo, movies of all genres, and Harry Potter. She had the unique ability to find a common interest with all those close to her. She happily took on the role of “mom” and “grandma” to all our friends, even Gene affectionally referred to her as grandma.

Judy loved black coffee in all its forms, even drinking it iced long before it was cool. She passed on that love to her grandchildren who are all proud caffeine enthusiasts. For someone who claimed not to like sweets, her most requested recipes were all treats and she was often found eating pie for breakfast. She loved all things huckleberry. She also loved popcorn and it was common knowledge you were to deliver any leftover theater popcorn to her house.

Judy will be remembered as a quick-witted prankster that you never saw coming. She always had an unfiltered comment ready to strike, usually under her breath and directed at Gene. She didn’t take anything too serious, except her Jazz, where we drew straws and pooled money for bail when they played the Lakers. We will continue to pass down the stories of sewn up long johns, her ghostly hazing, and asking strangers to sign her balls.

Judy’s greatest love was her family. She is survived by her daughters; Leann (Bryan), Barbara Ann (Terry), Louise (Jon), grandchildren; Mariah (Dustin), Brianna (Travis), Aubrey Ann (Cody), Brennen, Robert (Gabby), Colleen Ann (JW), Liam, Angie, great-grandchildren; Drake, Brynlie, Emmit, Harper, Teigan, Grayson, Nova Gene, Nikola, and one on the way who we are certain her and grandpa are fighting over right now, brother Robert, many nieces and nephews, extended family Oran, Jeri, Tod and Daniel, and her incredibly spoiled dog Luna. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, Charles and Alma, siblings; Johnny, Charles Jr., Alma, Leo, Doris, Darlene, Jess, Janice, Vernon, Michael, and Tommy.

The loss of both of our parents in such a short time has been devastating. We are taking comfort that Grandma is exactly where she wants to be, reunited with the love of her life. Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high, we know that’s where we’ll find you.

Funeral services will be held on Friday October 16, 2026, at 11:00 am with a viewing prior from 9:30 to 10:45 at Tate Mortuary, 110 South Main Street, Tooele, Utah. Interment to follow at the Tooele City Cemetery.

A live stream of the funeral will be available for those family and friends unable to attend on Judy’s obituary page at tatemortuary.com