Judith Ann VanDewater of Sioux Falls, SD formerly of Hot Springs, SD passed away May 21st surrounded by the legacy she leaves this world, her four sons.

Born July 17, 1948 at Norfolk Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, VA and grew up in Norfolk, VA. She was the first child of Buford Clarence and Margaret Rachel Bentley Potts. Being assigned the role of big sister to Tim and Mike established her loving ways early. The strong bond the three shared would continue on as their lives took them to opposite ends of the world.

Judy graduated from Norview High School in 1966 and pursued secretarial studies at Kee’s Business College until she gained an interest in nursing. After challenges with the entrance exam, she opted to join the rest of the family as they relocated to the island of Guam for her father’s work.

The next five years would foster a love and appreciation for the “paradise” this tiny island provided. She forged many friendships while working alongside her mother at South Seas souvenir shop. An encounter with one of the Navy Seabees stationed on the island, provided an avenue to connect with a network of close friends that would last the rest of her life.

The family returned to Virginia with only Judy’s brother Mike staying behind in Guam. This would help solidify Guam as a special place she held close. Four short months later, her love of Guam would influence her to engage in conversation with a tall, four-eyed, curly-haired sailor at Shore Drive Inn in Virginia Beach, VA. This South Dakota boy, who was stationed on the ship the U.S.S. Guam, would convince her to move to Hot Springs and become his wife on September 29, 1973.

George and Judy started their life together living in Hot Springs. During this time, their first son, Geody Blaine, was born. Showcasing her creativity with names, little did she know at the time the amount of ridicule she had set in motion for him.

The small family moved to Oral, SD for the next 14 years. Welcoming sons Andrew Richard, Matthew Charles, and Jacob Joshua during their time there. As the boys became more active in activities, George and Judy found themselves in Hot Springs more regularly and made the decision to move back there after being presented an offer to lease the Villa Theresa.

Judy took a position at the Hot Springs Public Library as Assistant Librarian after the move. She created and ran the summer reading program that school age kids loved. It was where many of her boys’ friends and classmates got to know her.

She went on to work at Southern Hills General Hospital in Materials Management. The proximity to the school afforded the opportunity for her children to walk across the street to see her at the end of the school day. One year later, she would transition to the Payroll Department where she received the recognition as the Southern Hills General Hospital & Castle Manor employee of the year.

Becoming a Medical Support Assistant at Hot Springs Veterans Administration Medical Center, provided more comfort for the family and Judy was able to work on the same campus as her husband. She would spend the next 14 of her years working at the VA.

George and Judy were regularly spotted in the stands attending the various activities of their sons. They showcased their love for each other as they went on drives through the Black Hills, listened to the elk bugle in Wind Cave, or spent quality time laying in bed on Saturday mornings talking as their sons overheard the work it takes to build a strong relationship.

Judy shared her love of animals with her family. Throughout her life she had many different pets, ducks, ferrets, birds, dogs, and most notably cats. She inherited her passion for cats from her mother and aunt and has passed that love on to many members of her family.

With the unexpected passing of George, Judy adjusted to life without him but kept the focus on her family. Traveling to visit sons in college, being in attendance for the arrival of new grandchildren, or driving to meet friends thousands of miles away. Her sons went on to grow their families, and it warmed her heart as she welcomed daughters to her family and shared her love with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Judy had a solid bond with her mother that remained throughout the extended distances apart. Judy made the decision to move with her mother to Idaho. After her mother’s passing, Judy returned to Hot Springs for several years until relocating to Sioux Falls, SD to be closer to family. Now that all of her sons were located in South Dakota again, she spent time with them all mostly focused on building deeper connections with her grandchildren.

Those honored to continue her legacy are her sons Geody (Jayme) VanDewater, Andy (Brenda) VanDewater, Matt (Wendy) VanDewater, and Jake VanDewater. Along with ten grandchildren, two great granddaughters, and two more great grandchildren to arrive later this year.

Judy was preceded in death by her loving husband, George, her parents; Buford and Margaret, and two brothers; Mike and Tim.

The family requests memorial tributes be directed to Judy’s funeral and medical funds to assist with expenses.

Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 5, 2026, at Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD followed by committal service at Pringle Cemetery in Pringle, SD.