Judith “Judy” Kay McDonald Lester, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and talented artist, passed away October 19, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at the Sidney Health Center, after a courageous, 6-year battle with liver cancer.

Judy was born on September 12, 1950, in Billings, Montana, to Levi Wayne McDonald and Lillie Mae Rasmussen. She was raised in Ennis, Montana, and graduated from Ennis High School in 1968. In 1969, Judy married Bill Johnson in Wallace, Idaho, and together, they welcomed their children, Billie Jo and Raymond, into the world.

After the end of that marriage, Judy and the kids moved to Lyman, Wyoming, where she worked as a security guard for Pinkerton and the Texas Gulf Mine. Judy found love again and married Lavelle “Buddy” Lester in Elko, Nevada, in 1979. Together, they moved to Sidney, Montana, during the oil boom in 1981, where Buddy worked as a water hauler and Judy lovingly raised their children.

Judy’s life took her to many places, including Ft. Bridger, Wyoming, and later Jamestown, North Dakota, where she moved in 2002 to be closer to her son and his family. During her time in Jamestown, she worked at Riddle's Jewelry. She spent several years in Heber, Utah, from 2009 to 2018, where she worked as a dispatcher before being diagnosed with liver cancer. This diagnosis brought her back to Sidney, Montana, so her son Ray could care for her during treatment.

Judy was a wonderful baker and remarkably talented artist, specializing in ceramics and painting. She also enjoyed playing the piano. Judy was known for her sweet, kind, and patient demeanor, and she had a unique talent for giving the most creative gifts, even when given the smallest of spending limits.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Levi Wayne and Lillie Mae McDonald, and her brother, Larry McDonald.

Judy leaves behind a loving family, including her daughter Billie Jo (John) Lovato of Green River, Wyoming; her son Ray (Heather) Johnson of Sidney, Montana; and her cherished grandchildren, Trae Johnson, April (Oscar) Gonzales, Cody (Megan) Johnson, Jace (Kylee) Johnson, and Liliana Johnson; and step-grandchildren Terrence Lovato and Amber Peterson. She was also the proud great-grandmother of Zoey Johnson, Brooks Johnson, and Nash Johnson.

Judy’s life was marked by her love for her family, her resilience, and the countless creative and joyful moments she brought into the world. Judy will be deeply missed, but she will never be forgotten.

Memorial Contribution