Judith H. Achillies

Judy Achilles graduated to glory in the early morning hours of October 24, 2021, following a 13-year battle with ovarian cancer and late onset dementia. She enjoyed a long life saturated with family, Christian ministry, deep friendships, and abundant experiences fueled by her adventurous spirit and diligent work ethic. She leaves an enduring legacy as a faithful wife, mother, and grandmother. She made an incalculable impact in the lives of those who knew her, who heard her speak at retreats and conferences, listened to her counsel, sat in her classroom, enjoyed her hospitality, and received her many gifts of service and love. Judy began her life in Evanston, Illinois, the second of three children, born to Forrest and Martha Harwood. She attended the University of Illinois (where she met her future husband) then later in life completed her AA at San Bernardino Valley College. In 1959, she married Robert Achilles, a professional musician. They moved to Los Angeles and then Las Vegas as Robert advanced in his career. They had three children: Janet, James, and David. A talented teacher, coach, administrator, and counselor, she enjoyed a variety of professional experiences. In college, she served as a Girl Scout counselor in Wisconsin where she taught archery and led the campfire singing. She continued as a scout leader for many years in Colorado and California. Her career as an educator began with the 5th grade class at West Valley Christian Academy in southern California. She went on to teach and serve as a teacher and administrator at three other private schools in California. For a time, she directed the Christian Education ministry at Faith Evangelical Church in the San Fernando Valley. In 1975, her husband Robert began a career change from musician to minister, and Judy became a pastor’s wife. In that role, she became a popular speaker for women’s ministry events and retreats. She travelled to Russia, the Philippines, and Israel, teaching the Bible, and building relationships while promoting Christian education and women’s ministry programs in local churches. Robert and Judy served the Lord together in churches in Northridge, San Bernardino, Hacienda Heights, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, and Napa, California. Her grandchildren enjoyed a yearly “Camp Grandma” with Judy in the family cabin at Hume Lake, California where she planned lessons, crafts, and activities for all involved. Judy’s life changed dramatically after her move back to Los Angeles in 1969. A season of discontent and frustration led her to get involved with her children’s Christian school. There she learned what it meant to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. “I found what I had been missing all along. My children brought home to my heart a simple truth that was long ago forgotten—that God loved me, and He wanted to take control of my life… I asked Christ to really take control of my life.” In her later years, she approached cancer with the same positive spirit she displayed throughout life, “resting,” she would say, “in the hammock of God’s grace.” She is survived by her daughter, Janet McCracken of Great Falls, Montana; sons, James Achilles of Astoria, Oregon and David Achilles of Lakewood, Colorado; brother, Forrest Henry Harwood IV of Plano, Texas; 15 grandchildren;7 great-grandchildren; and countless friends. Her ashes will be placed with her beloved husband at the National Veterans Cemetery in Dixon, California. Donations may be made in Judy's honor to the Widow's Ministry at Emmanuel Bible Church, 3400 11th Ave S, Great Falls, MT59405.