Judith Ann Ollila, 82, of Vale, South Dakota, passed away peacefully while holding her husband’s hand on June 17, 2026.

Judith Ann Holst was born on December 5,1943, in Sturgis, SD, to Ernest and Dora (Trigg) Holst. She arrived a little earlier than expected, so her first crib was a dresser drawer placed near the stove to keep her warm. She was the youngest child and only daughter and was soon spoiled by her four older brothers, Roger, Kenneth, Alvin, and Allen.

At age nine, Judy began experiencing health problems and her mother was told she would not live to see her 20th birthday. Years later, those health problems were diagnosed as lupus, a disease Judy lived with for the rest of her life but never allowed to stop her.

Judy made many life-long friends when she accompanied her school teacher mother to country schools throughout rural Meade County and to Spearfish, where Dora attended classes to renew her teaching credentials. She graduated from Brown High School in Sturgis in 1962 and began working in the high school office.

Judy met her life partner, Art Ollila, at a dance at the Vale Community Hall. They were married in March 1963 and shared 63 years together. They raised two children, David and Nancy.

Judy enjoyed sewing, knitting, and crocheting. Family and friends often saw her working on a project or creating clothing and blankets for those she loved. She was a past member of the Tot N Twenty Extension Club and a former leader of the Prairie Pals 4-H Club.

After her children were in college, Judy fulfilled her dream of attending college by earning an associate degree from Western Dakota Technical Institute. She then worked as a secretary for a start-up wool mill, a paraprofessional at Newell school, an office staff member for the Bureau of Reclamation in Newell, and for 20 years, a medical secretary at Fort Meade Veterans Hospital. She retired at age 70.

Judy is survived by her husband, Walter Arthur (Art) Ollila; her son, David (Holly) Ollila; her daughter, Nancy (Ron) Haigh; and her six grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Dora Holst; her brothers, Roger, Kenneth, Alvin, and Allen Holst; her parents-in-law, Walter and Bertha Ollila; her brother-in-law, Rudy Ollila; and her sister-in-law, Sherry Schafer.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 27 at the Vale Community Hall, with lunch to follow. Cards may be sent care of Judy Ollila Family, 13087 194th St., Vale, SD 57788