Judy Kay Hoy

Judy Kay Hoy age 77 of Nashua, IA, died Saturday, July 25, 2026, at her daughter’s home, surrounded by her family.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory – Olson Chapel in Nashua with Rev. Rob Williams officiating. Interment will be held at Cedar View Cemetery, rural Ionia, with Herbie Decker, Terry Decker, Brian Janssen, Tanner Hoy, LaMont Hoy, and Riley Butters serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Virgil Hoy, Wayland Bean, and John Steere.

Friends are invited to greet the family from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Funeral Home in Nashua before the service.

Judy Kay Hoy passed away on July 25, 2026, in Sheffield, Iowa, at the age of 77. Judy was born on August 12, 1948, in Austin, Minnesota, the daughter of Elmer and Julia (Sippill) Hanson, to a life that would be marked by devotion, hard work, and a deep love for family, animals, and the simple joys of everyday living. As a young child, her family moved to the Rudd area, where she grew up and graduated from the Rudd, Rockford, Marble Rock school system in 1966. Her school years were an important part of her life, and it was during high school that she met Jerry Hoy. Their love blossomed a few years later, and they were united in marriage on December 6, 1969, at St. John Lutheran Church in Nashua.

Following their marriage, Judy and Jerry made their home in the Nashua area, where they farmed together and built a life centered on family and shared responsibility. Judy devoted herself to caring for their children and tending to the home, the garden, and the many animals that were part of farm life. She had a remarkable gift for nurturing both people and creatures, and she found joy in the rhythm of rural living. Every year, she grew a large garden that provided an abundance of produce for the family table, and she spent many hours harvesting and canning so that her family could enjoy the fruits of her labor throughout the year.

Judy was a loving and steady presence in the lives of her children, Allan, Debbie, Darla, and Arlen. Her family was the cornerstone of her life, and she made certain they always felt her love and support. As her children grew, Judy began working as a caregiver for a couple of families in the area, where she tended to the needs of others with patience and kindness. Her compassionate nature made her well suited for that work, and she was appreciated for the genuine care she gave to those she served.

Judy later began working at C & W Rustic Hollow Shelter for cats, a place where her love of animals found a natural home. She had a special affection for the felines in her care, and they were equally fond of her. She worked there for more than 20 years, and her dedication to the shelter and the animals she cared for reflected the kindness and commitment that were such a large part of who she was. Whether caring for family, helping neighbors, or tending animals, Judy gave of herself freely and wholeheartedly.

In her free time, Judy enjoyed gardening, doing crosswords and puzzles, and watching the Game Show Network. She had a passion for reading and found comfort and enjoyment in a good book. She also cherished countryside drives with no particular destination in mind, simply enjoying the journey and the beauty around her. These quiet pleasures brought her happiness, but above all, it was time with and thoughts of her family that gave her life its deepest meaning.

Judy will be remembered for her loving nature, her spirited personality, and the steadfast way she cared for others. She leaves behind a legacy of hard work, compassion, and devotion that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Judy is survived by her four children, Allan (Kim) Hoy of Sheffield, IA, Debbie Hoy of Charles City, IA, Darla (Wayland) Bean of Ionia, IA, Arlen (Shelley) Hoy of Marble Rock, IA; seven grandchildren, Krystal (Jeff) Grubb, Kelsie Hoy, LaMont Hoy, Riley Butters, Tanner Hoy, Abagael Hoy, and Mackenzie Bean; six great-grandchildren, Teegan, Haizen, Hadlee, Kamyra, and Zynova Winfrey, and Leo Grubb; one sister, Jane (Jack) Balkenende of Mason City, IA; and one brother-in-law, Virgil Hoy of Nashua, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jerry in 2022; two brothers, Jerry Hanson and Everett (Kathy) Hanson.