Judy Marie Gauntt

On September 1st, 2023, Judith "Judy" Marie Gauntt passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her family, after a stubborn fight against complications of the lungs and heart. In her 78 years of life, Judy acquired many nicknames, including Grammy, Jo, and Cutie Judy, as she touched the lives of many with her gentle, loving nature.Judy was born on March 24th, 1945 in Vancouver, Washington to John P. VanFleet and Margaret Mary Parker. Alongside her sister Sue, and their younger brother Ron "Buzz", Judy attended Hudson Bay High School, and graduated in 1963. Shortly after graduation, Judy met her sweetheart Robert "Bob" Gauntt. The pair got married at the Original Saddle Club just weeks after Judy reached the age of 20, because Bob preferred not to marry a teenager. Over the next few years, the couple welcomed their two daughters, Rhonda and Michelle into the family. Judy and Bob introduced their daughters to the world of horse racing at a young age. In addition to enjoying the trails of Mt. St. Helens, before its infamous explosion, the four owned, raced, and bet on Quarter Horses. During this time, Judy earned her nickname, The Quinella Queen, from her many successes in betting on the horses that Bob trained.Over the years of her life long-residency in Vancouver, she worked at Burgerville, the Oregonian, and Wendle Dental, and was a Clarkette for the Clark County Saddle Club. Her favorite job, however, was being Grammy to her two grandkids, Madison and Max. Judy was well known at Nordstroms, where she frequented with her daughters and granddaughter and enjoyed spending their winnings from the Quarter Horse races. In addition to racing and shopping, Judy was fervently passionate about BINGO, meeting her mom, sister and cousin several nights a week to play. When she wasn't working, racing, or winning BINGO, she could be found at home, enjoying peaceful days full of black coffee, reading, puzzles and word searches, before turning on Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune each night.Judy is survived by her husband of 58 years, Robert Gauntt, and their two daughters, Rhonda and Michelle, her son in law Mike, her grandkids, Madison and Maxwell, her brother Ron "Buzz", and her dauschand Maggie. Judy was predeceased by her parents, and her sister Sue, who was her very best friend.Judy was always loving, supportive, and non-judgmental of those around her, playing an important role in the lives of many, and she will be greatly missed. A private family service is being held on Monday, September 11th, 2023. Judy will be reunited with her sister and laid to rest at Parkhill Cemetery. If you would like to join the celebration of her life and honor Judy, grab a cup of coffee and a wordsearch, and share a memory you have with her.

Judy Marie Gauntt

March 24, 1945 - September 1, 2023