Judy F. Leavitt Chapman Van Dyke Booher

Judy Leavitt, Class of 1968, was born in Las Vegas on August 4, 1950, and passed away in Monroe, WA, on May 11, 2023 from complications of liver disease. Most of us will remember Judy’s energy and enthusiasm for life and the twinkle she always seemed to have in her eye. Judy was so much fun but also quietly focused on her goals. Judy was very smart and enjoyed the challenge of algebra, geometry and numbers of any kind. After graduation she had the foresight to head to business school in Los Angeles to learn computer programming. She held many good jobs during her time in LA but what mattered most was that she met her forever love and first husband, the father of her three boys, Dale R. Chapman. They were married in 1971 but left southern California in 1978 to follow their dream. They toured around the country in a travel trailer and knew that Lake Stevens, WA, was “the place” as soon as they found it. Judy and Dale had three very dearly loved sons, Chris, Randy and David. Sadly, Dale passed from cancer in 1991 at the young age of 48. They were blessed to have been sealed in the LDS temple well before his death. Judy proceeded to live her life and focus on her children, her faith and her goals. She continued her education earning her BS in Accounting from Central Washington University in 1991. Judy also studied Public Administration at the City University of Seattle. She received her CPA certification in 2003. As in California, she was  successful in her professional life in Washington holding positions such as Financial Analyst for Snohomish County and Business Manager for Snohomish Health District. Judy had three wonderful marriages in total. Her second was to Dallas Van Dyke in 1994. They had many happy years together until Dallas also passed from cancer in 2013. Judy and Dale had been friends with Dallas and his wife Ella at church. Ella had passed near the time Dale passed. All four are buried next to each other along with many other friends from their ward. After Dallas passed, Judy met widower Ken Booher at LDS Singles and they were married in 2017. Judy moved to Ken’s home in Burien, WA, and served as Relief Society President in the Burien Ward. Judy’s sons appreciated how Ken brought fun and laughter back in her life after such hard losses. Both men brought much love and joy to Judy’s world. Their many family members will always remember Judy’s wisdom and guidance over the years and at her memorial spoke of the love and compassionate service she gave without question or expectation. Judy’s sons relayed their love for her and the grief they feel at her passing. She was honored by the heartfelt remembrances of children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, friends of friends – Judy had a good and charitable heart for all. God speed, Judy. You are loved by so many.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Cameron Dee and Lyle (Coon) Leavitt; siblings: Jean Salmon, William Leavitt, Deanne Dunn (Tom), Mark Leavitt (infant). She is survived by her siblings:  Betty Salmon (Ron), Sheila Leavitt, and Richard Leavitt (Carolyn). 

--Written by Connie Themmen Tooke