Judy Ann (Appelt) Kopejtka, age 76, passed away on July 25, 2020. She was born to Jack and Lois Appelt, on January 21, 1944 in Ainsworth, NE.
As a young woman, Judy was married to Albert William Kopejtka, and they worked on the Hamblin ranch east of Smithwick, South Dakota in 1962. Judy loved the ranch, and was a stay at home mom. In 1963, they moved back to the Appelt ranch on the Niobrara River and worked for Judy's father, Jack Appelt. In 1968, they moved to Valentine, NE where Judy & Al worked with cement construction and kept their cattle interest on the side. Judy was always involved as a Girl Scout troop leader, and very active with the Methodist Church. Judy loved to play her guitar, square dance and play cards. Her favorite thing was visiting Hot Springs, South Dakota. Judy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She helped all her neighbors and family throughout the years, and gave as much time as she could to any one in need. She will always be remembered for her strength and love of life.
Judy was preceded in death by her husband Albert Kopejtka; daughter Kathy Ragon; parents Jack and Lois Appelt and brother Max Appelt. She is survived by daughters: Kody and husband Joe Williams of Valentine, Kandy and husband Michael Cruz of Greeley, CO and Kari and husband Sid Schmidt of Waverly, NE; sister Sharon Appelt of O’Neill, NE and brother Roy Appelt of Springview, NE.
Grandchildren: Kate Williams, Sam Williams, Colbi Ragon, Chase Potter, Blake Huggins, Theryn Huggins Weedman, Tucker Huggins, Conner Schmidt, Keeley Schmidt, Kendall Schmidt Nordmeyer and Kaden Schmidt.
Great Grandchildren: Weston Potter, Wyatt Potter, Jaxson Ragon, Cameron Ragon, Hudson Ragon, Kaedyn Huggins, Kolten Huggins, Karson Huggins, Jade Weedman, Trenton Weedman, Hudson Weedman, Audrinna Schmidt, Landon Schmidt and Kaysen Reed.
A celebration of life service will be held at the United Methodist Church in Valentine, Nebraska on August 8, 2020 at 2pm. Inurnment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Valentine. Holmes Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.