Judith Ann Settle-Kading (Archuletta), 77, passed away peacefully at the Delta County Hospital on Jan. 26, 2025. She was born Sept. 2, 1947 in Lamar, Colorado and graduated from Gunnison High School in 1965. She was a member of the Rough Tough Cowboys cheerleading team. Moving on from Gunnison to pursue her goals and dreams, she became a successful cosmetologist, specializing in permanent make-up and practicing the ancient healing art of Reiki.
Judy was a well-known artist in the western states and was admired for her intricate fine line black and white artwork. She had many hobbies and adventurous interests. She loved racing. Her cherished Jeep (modified by her former husband and crew chief Bert Settle of Gunnison and Boise, Idaho) won her numerous trophies in hill climbs in the Pacific Northwest. She was a member of the Boise Strawberry Hill Parachute Club. Judith loved gardening, cooking and especially entertaining her friends, a diverse variety of doctors and lawyers and common good ol’ folks. She loved everybody and never postponed exercising her good.
Judy is survived by Gracie, Roy, Georgia, Richard (Archie) Archuletta of Gunnison, Lorri Knull-Archuletta of Montrose, Betty Archuletta of Grand Junction and numerous relatives residing along the front range and Northern New Mexico.
Judy requested no services. Her, her husband RB and beloved dogs’ ashes return to the Boise River in Boise, Idaho.
An informal celebration of life is planned, TBA. Donations can be made to Surface Creek Animal Shelter in Cedaredge, Colorado at surfacecreekanimalshelter.org or call 970.856.2346.
Judy’s infectious smile, laugh, generosity and kindness will be missed by family, neighbors and longtime friends. A smile begets a smile.
