Judy Lyn Wells

Judy Lyn Wells, 81, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and devoted daughter of God, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2026, while residing at MorningStar Senior Living, under the gentle care of Symbii Home Health and Hospice.

Judy was born on September 3, 1945, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the third daughter of Kenneth R. and Ruth S. Tracy. Raised in Idaho Falls, Judy attended Emerson Elementary School and O.E. Bell Junior High, and graduated from Idaho Falls High School with the Class of 1963.

Following high school, Judy began her higher education at Utah State University, where she proudly spent two years as an Aggie. In 1965, she married Kent Patterson and transferred to Idaho State University to continue her studies, graduating in 1968 with a degree in Elementary Education. Together, Judy and Kent were blessed with two children who became the light of her life: Kirsten, born in 1968, and Kent Jr., born in 1970.

Though Judy and Kent later divorced in 1973, Judy’s resilience, strength, and determination shone brightly as she returned to the classroom that same fall to launch a dedicated career in education. Judy went on to teach 2nd and 3rd grade in Idaho Falls School District 91 for over 30 years. Teaching was a true calling for Judy; she loved watching her young students blossom, particularly in 3rd grade as they mastered multiplication tables and learned cursive writing. Known for her own exquisite penmanship, Judy took great joy in sharing that artistic talent with generations of children, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives throughout the community.

In March of 2001, Judy was introduced to her eternal sweetheart, Dale Wells. After a short, whirlwind courtship, they were married for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on June 23, 2001, beginning a cherished chapter of companionship and shared devotion. After they were married, Judy and Dale thoroughly enjoyed traveling together to visit their children and grandchildren across the country. They cared for each other, they cared for their aging mothers, and they cared for and served their family together for nearly 22 years.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Judy served diligently in many callings throughout her life, including leadership roles in the Relief Society and Young Women presidencies. She was also a dedicated visiting teacher and minister who loved serving those around her.

Judy is survived by her children, Kirsten (Korby) Wright of Boise, ID, and Kent (Lisa) Patterson Jr. of Ammon, ID; her stepchildren, Jana (Frank) Mann of St. Helens, OR, David (Mikell) Wells of Pullman, WA, and Richard Wells of Idaho Falls, ID; her 15 beloved grandchildren; her 12 cherished great-grandchildren; and many dear nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Wells; her parents, Kenneth R. and Ruth S. Tracy; and her sisters and their husbands, Carlene and Keith Brown, and Joyce and Monte Dodge.

The family wishes to express their deepest, heartfelt gratitude to the staff at MorningStar Senior Living, especially the sweet nurses and Symbii Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate, loving care during her stay at MorningStar and through her final days.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Idaho Falls 21st Ward, 1155 1st Street. The family will visit with friends Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road, and Friday from 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Iona Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.