Judith Jane Ramirez

We remember our mother, grandmother, and dear friend, Judy Ramirez, who blessed our lives with love, care, strength, humor, and beauty. She was a loving and faithful wife, adoring mother, doting grandmother, and loyal friend. Judy advocated for those without a voice as a dedicated adult special education teacher for over thirty years. In retirement, she carried forth her care of others through volunteer work with the Assistance League of Visalia, and was an active congregant of St. Paul's Anglican Church. Judith Jane Horton Ramirez, age 76, of Visalia, CA passed away on September 19, 2024 but forever lives in our hearts. She was born on July 22,1948 in Avenal, CA to the late Truman Pinkney Horton and Betty Vera Davis Horton, who modeled integrity, honesty, hard work, and courageously living one's life to the absolute fullest. "Jud," as affectionately nicknamed by her parents, shared many memories with them camping and enjoying time in nature while growing up in Lompoc CA with her late older brother, Stephen Horton. Judy attended Lompoc School in 1953, but missed school in first and second grades to have a series of complicated eye surgeries which did not stop her from venturing to Campfire Girls Camp at age 10, and loving family trips to San Francisco, Kern River, and Huntington Lake. She graduated from Lompoc High School in 1966 and attended college in Santa Barbara. She later earned a professional certification in adult special education instruction and became a celebrated teacher at Tulare Unified School District for 30 years to adults with disabilities. She cared deeply for her students and their families, and helped them prepare for the highest level of personal independence possible in pursuit of personal growth and development. Judy met the love of her life, Jack Daniel Ramirez in 1990 after being set up on a blind date by friends. The rest was history as they shared over thirty years together in a loving marriage full of adventure and fun, often enjoying weekend road trips and vacation cruises. Their strong faith bonded them as long-time, committed members of St. Paul's Anglican Church. Surrounded by family and friends, the loving couple were married in 1998 in Visalia, then spent decades sharing their love with everyone around them. Judy loved and adored her children and grandchildren. Like those before her, she modeled courage, compassion, strength, and hard work. Jason and Jill Scott, son and daughter-in-law, along with their children, Zachary and Sophia, treasured their time with her. Jason shared a close bond and always stood by his mother's side, caring for her with tenacious love, and speaking nearly everyday. Judy's granddaughter, Elizabeth Stasch, spent summers with "Nana Judy," and enjoyed serving as a helper in her grandmother's classroom when accompanying her to work. Judy and her daughter, Jen Stasch, shared love for each other and many beautiful memories including a love of Dolly Parton and singing off key in unison to great hits like "Here You Come Again" and "I Will Always Love You." Judy was also mother to canine children, Buddy and Stuart. She and Jack spent many years traveling with Buddy who only recently passed away. She later adopted Stuart who was her constant companion. She had a soft spot for her furry babies, loving each like the valuable family member they were. Judy was a loyal, caring, and loving friend to many. Her dear friend, Donna Vidak, was her caregiver and constantly by her side. She treasured Judy's friendship as her confidante, shoulder to cry on, and the one who could really make her laugh. Judy will always be remembered for her sense of humor, honest opinion, magical creativity, and love of food. We'll always imagine hearing her request a Dutch Brother's Caramel Latte with extra caramel and three Splenda one more time. We are blessed for each and every moment shared with our mother, grandmother, and friend, and will miss Judy every day. Her memory will live on in our hearts forever. Judy was preceded in death by her loving husband Jack Ramirez, father and mother, Truman and Betty Horton, and brother, Stephen Horton. She is survived by Jason and Jill Scott, son and daughter-in-law, grandchildren Zachary and Sophia Scott, granddaughter Elizabeth Stasch and fiance Benjamin Toll, and daughter Jen Stasch. Her memorial service will be held Friday, October 4, 2024 at St. Paul's Anglican Church located at 6436 W Hurley Ave, Visalia, CA at 11:00 am. Donations to the Assistance League of Visalia would be greatly appreciated in Judy's memory. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Judith Jane Ramirez

July 22, 1948 - September 19, 2024