Judith Anderson

Judith Ann (Judy) Anderson

Judith Ann (Judy) Anderson, beloved teacher, mentor, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and community member, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026, at the age of 81.

Judy graduated from Newcastle High School in 1963. She graduated from Black Hills State with a bachelor’s in education. She Married Gene Miller and had one daughter. She began teaching in Rapid City, in Oregon for two years, and then returned to Newcastle, where she taught elementary school grades for 38 years. She met her husband Jerry, and they raised two daughters, Jennifer and Jessica.

Judy was a member of First United Methodist Church; P.E.O.; Eastern Star; Delta Kappa Gamma; the Honored Queen of Jobs Daughters; and served as President of the Newcastle Country Club. She was honored as the Guest Speaker for Newcastle High School’s Class of 2001.

Her family was the center of her life. Judy and Jerry shared a loving marriage – cooking, dancing, and traveling together for 45 years. She took immense pride in her daughters; grandchildren held a special place in her heart; and she treasured every milestone, celebration, and time spent with her family.

Judy (“Mrs. A”) touched the lives of generations of students. She inspired a love of learning through patience, kindness, and individual attention that ensured that every child felt valued and capable of success. Her classroom was a place of warmth, curiosity, and respect, where kids were encouraged to dream big and work hard. Many former students fondly remember her impact on shaping their futures. Cookie Day was one of her favorite activities.

In retirement, Judy embraced one of her greatest passions: golf. An avid golfer, she spent countless hours on the course, relishing both the game and the friendships there. Golf was a cherished part of her retirement years, where she exuded the same enthusiasm, smile, and joy that she had embodied in her teaching career.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Durward and Evelyn Zingery; husband, Jerry Anderson; stepson, Gary Anderson; and daughter Jessica (Anderson) Nielsen. She is survived by her sisters, Jan (Ron) Gehring and Jackie Duty; daughter, Jennifer (Miller) Blake; stepdaughter, Teresa (Anderson) Dominic; and grandchildren,Casey Smith, Carrie Farnsworth, Joseph and Samantha Dominic, Jada, Tanner, and Hollyn Nielsen; Jaxon, Bradyn, Corbin, and Jordan Blake; great granddaughters, Ashton Benyo, Caylee Farnsworth, Canyon Farnsworth, and Patti Smith; great great grandchildren, Levi and Lennox Benyo.

Judy was a testament to the enduring power of kindness, service, education, and love. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, former students, fellow golfers, and the entire Newcastle community.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Newcastle United Methodist Church on Friday, July 10 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Double Aces golf program or new hats, gloves or coats may be brought to the service to give to the Elementary School.