Judith Lillian (Schelly) Mitchum

Judith Lillian Schelly Mitchum, 74, of Great Falls passed away February 8th, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A celebration of her life will be held at her home on Tuesday, February 13 from 1pm-4pm.

Judy was born in Great Falls to LeRoy and Emily (Krall) Schelly on July 7, 1943.  She graduated from Great Falls High School in 1961.  After moving to Billings to attend beauty school, she married Lyle Mitchum.  They had 2 children, Renee and Schelly.   After moving to Missoula and Fort Benton, Judy and the girls made their home in Great Falls.

Judy worked as a claims examiner for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Montana more than 20 years.  She also worked at ShopKo, but most recently was employed with Four Seasons Arena.

Judy was a longtime member of the Great Falls Iris Society with her being president of the club for the last 20 years.  Her tireless dedication to the Iris Society encompassed her love of Great Falls by having the Iris Society meetings at different city parks, restaurants and members’ homes.  She also worked diligently to preserve the Iris Society history by making a yearly scrapbook. 

Her family will remember her as a loving matriarch who put others needs before her own.  She led her life with independence, grace, wisdom and selfless dedication to her family.  Her love of cooking and gardening was a joy she passed on to her family.  She was a devoted caregiver to her mother, who lived to be 104 years old and to her father, who passed away in 1990.  Her loving guidance was treasured and will be missed.

Judy is survived by her daughters, Renee (Mike) Redler of Missoula, Schelly (Kevin) Paterson of Warren, MI; her sister, Jackie Schelly of Salt Lake City, UT; her four grandchildren, Cody, Westley, Emily and Joe; her cousin Lila Beck of Great Falls; Aunt Loretta Krall and many Krall cousins.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society or the Great Falls Community Food Bank.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Judith Lillian (Schelly) Mitchum, please visit our floral store.