JUDITH BUTLER LACY (1949-2026)
Judith “Judy” Butler Lacy passed away on April 19 after a long illness at her home in Temecula, Calif. with her husband Robert at her bedside.
Judy was born in Victorville, Calif. This is where her dad, Philip “Pid” Butler, was transferred for a brief period of time with Continental Telephone. She was very proud of her Owens Valley history for generations and lived most of her childhood in Bishop with her parents and sisters Sue and Ginny.
Judy’s faith walk began at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Bishop and her religion was important to her throughout her life.
She graduated from Bishop Union High School in 1967 and moved to Southern California where she graduated from Fullerton College.
Judy had many childhood friends and relatives whom she maintained contact with throughout her life. She loved writing and reminiscing about all of her exploits in the Owens Valley, Benton, and Tonopah. Her father Philip introduced her to storytelling at an early age and encouraged her interest in researching her heritage which included the Basque and Irish history of her mother, Ella Minaberry.
Judy’s adult life was spent traveling the world digging up her “roots.” She published several books of poetry and stories about her family history.
She also loved teaching children and taught poetry to youth and adults through the California Poets in The Schools Programs.
Her adventures took her to the San Francisco Bay Area where she lived and was employed by the National March of Dimes. She met her husband Robert Lacy during her early years living there . They were married in 1999 and lived through the years in Napa, Palm Springs, San Marcos and Temecula.
Judy was proceeded in death by her parents Philip and Ella Butler Dietzman, stepfather Dale Dietzman, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.
She is survived by her husband Robert, sisters Sue Butler and Virginia Brewer of Bishop, nephew Bradley Brewer of Bishop, nieces Melissa Rosno of Escondido and Sara Rosno Veth (Pat) of Vista and great-nephew Patrick Veth. While she never had children of her own, she felt blessed to have her nieces and nephews in her life.
Judy requested to be buried next to her Aunt Vada (Nevada Belle) Butler-Hall in the East Line Street Cemetery in Bishop. There will be a private graveside family memorial with a celebration of her life to follow later in the year.
Judy’s written words included “I pray for all my friends and family who have passed and who will be waiting for me when I am called home. What a grand and lively Butler reunion it will be. It has been a great ride and happy trails to us all”
Memorial contributions may be made to a favorite local charity.
