by Karyl Lariscy Thompson

I was in the 8th grade when Judy moved next door to my family. I was in the garage playing music and roller skating when Judy came over to see where the music was coming from.

That was our first meeting.

That meeting began a friendship that lasted for many years. Judy started her sophomore year at Desert High, and I was in the 8th grade. We were two years apart in school but being neighbors we spent time together out of school. By the time I was a freshman and Judy was a junior we were good friends. I found myself spending time with Judy and friends from her class.

Judy graduated after 31/2 years of high school and went to work at the Base. She married and moved to Des Moines and had 1 daughter and 4 sons. I would visit as often as I could. I did attend her daughters wedding and one of sons came to visit once. Judy suffered with MS for 29 years until her death in December 2008. She was able to attend one high school reunion in 1997. We have shared the joys and sorrows of our lives and I will miss not knowing she is with us . Judy,you were my best friend.