VINTON – Judy Mitrisin Wood, 68, died at her home in Vinton surrounded by her family on Wednesday, October 3, 2012, following a brief battle with breast cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 8, 2012, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Vinton with Father Ardel Barta as Celebrant. Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, October 7, 2012, at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton with a Vigil Service to begin at 5 p.m. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Vinton.

Judy was born January 12, 1944, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the daughter of George and Lucille Lancial Mitrisin. She was raised in Eddyville, Iowa, and graduated from high school there in 1962. Judy was crowned Miss Eddyville as a teenager.

On July 27, 1963, Judy was united in marriage with Joseph W. Wood, Jr. in Eddyville. The couple made their home in Vinton where Judy worked as a teacher’s aide for the Vinton-Shellsburg school district. She also worked as a banquet coordinator and server at the Marriott in Cedar Rapids. She retired in May of 2010.

Judy was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Vinton. She enjoyed gardening and crafts. She was an avid bowler and was the long-time league Secretary in Vinton and the Director of the Cedar Rapids Bowling Association. She was active in the Booster Club and served as President. She was the caretaker of Joe the Crow and was known as “The Lightning Bug Lady.” Her greatest joy was spoiling her grandchildren.

Judy is survived by her husband of 49 years, Joe Wood, Jr. of Vinton; two daughters: Jody Nelson of Minneapolis, MN, and Julie (Doug) Schmidt of Cedar Rapids; one son, Jason (Sara) Wood of Cedar Rapids; six grandchildren: Bradley Kelley, Troy Wood, Jennifer Schmidt, Jaden Wood, Isaac Schmidt and Kaylee Wood; five sisters: Lois (Chuck) Farmer of Ankeny, Norma Adrian of Oskaloosa, Pat McMains of Pleasantville, Teresa Ashman of Indianola and Marilyn (Tom) Adreon of Pleasantville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Joe Mitrisin; one sister, Pauline Mitrisin; and three brothers-in-law: Kenny Adrian, Lowell McMains and Gordon Ashman.

A memorial fund has been established.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home is caring for Judy and her family. Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.

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LB October 4, 2012, 2:50 pm There will never be another Judy Wood. She could make us laugh and cry-sometimes all at the same time! A life well lived.....we will miss you Judy.
SP October 4, 2012, 3:04 pm Joe and Family, i am so sorry for your loss. I met Judy 32 years ago when I was a first year teacher. She was a good friend and mentor. Without her I would have probably move on. Judy could always see the good in kids and she was \"grandma\" to many , many students.Judy will be missed by many people.One of the things I have missed since she retired was her laughter, and sense of humor. Judy will have many roaring up in Heaven!
TP October 4, 2012, 4:01 pm My prayers and thoughts to Joe, Jody, Julie & Jason and all Family!! You have a Beautiful Angel!
ar October 4, 2012, 9:00 pm Judy u will be missed! Praying for your family. I remember joe the crow I luvd seeing him when we were in elementary school at east :) god bless u
TH October 5, 2012, 1:15 pm Judy was a godsend to us when Matt started kindergarten. He had a hard time adjusting and I remember Matt sitting on Judy\'s lap, her comforting him as I walked out the door. It gave me a real peace of mind knowing that there was someone there for him that would give him the reassurance and gentle guidance he needed to start his day! And, of course, working with Judy over the years was always a joy...she was a wonderful friend to so many! She will be greatly missed by all who knew her!
sw October 5, 2012, 1:25 pm Only knew judy from seeing her around town but did know her husband and son jason so wanted to extend my condolences to the whole family.
JM October 5, 2012, 1:52 pm My thoughts and prayers go out to Joe and the family. I met Judy through bowling--we use to tease each other about bowling.
Always had a good time. Judy you will be missed
RM October 5, 2012, 8:20 pm Mrs.Wood will be dearly missed by many,many students,me being one.She always made your day better with her great attitude and laughter.No matter the situation she could see the good in people and things and would point them out.When I was in 4th grade I did whatever I could to be in her group when she helped in our classroom.In fifth grade when we waited at Tilford for the bus in the morning to take us to Shellsburg for school she would come by to say hi and we would all rush up to hug her.
My heart goes our to her family during this time and I\'d like them to know they\'re in my prayers.
BC October 6, 2012, 12:10 am I met judy in 1988 in 2nd grade then again when I began bowling. Always very close with her then began working with her at Viking galley in 1996 when we were both waitresses. My daughters both knew her in elementary school also. Nice lady, fun lady,
JE October 6, 2012, 12:35 pm Joe and family: We are most sorry that Judy has died. We extend are most heartful sympathy. May your memories be of comfort to you.
db October 7, 2012, 6:38 pm JOE AND FAMILY, I DON\'T KNOW IF I HAVE EVER MET A PERSON WHO WAS SO GENUINELY CARING ABOUT CHILDREN. SHE NEVER HAD TO THINK ABOUT IT,SHE WAS JUST DRIVEN TO CARE AND ENTERTAIN IN ANY WAY SHE COULD THINK OF. I PRAY THERE IS ANOTHER SOUL OUT THERE WHO WILL FOLLOW HER HEART. I AM SO THANKFUL SHE WAS A PART OF MY LIFE.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL IN YOUR LOSS.
CS October 9, 2012, 1:06 pm Joe and family: My thoughts are with you during your time of sorrow.Judy was a lovely person,in every way.