Judith Carmen (Oke) Aronson

January 27, 1944 – July 8, 2026

Judith Carmen (Oke) Aronson, lovingly known as Judy, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, at Eventide Nursing Home in Devils Lake, North Dakota, surrounded by the loving memories of her family. She was 82 years old.

Judy was born on January 27, 1944, in Devils Lake, North Dakota, lived in Crary, ND where she spent much of her life and built a legacy centered on faith, family, kindness, and unconditional love.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arnold Aronson, and her dear sister, Marilyn (Oke) Olson. After years apart, our family finds comfort knowing Judy and Arnold are together once again.

Judy's greatest joy in life was being a mom and grandmother. If you asked her what her proudest accomplishment was, it wouldn't have been a job title or achievement—it would have been her family. She was the very definition of unconditional love, always putting others before herself and making sure everyone felt cared for.

She is survived by her children, Carmen Smith (Randy), Kevin Aronson (Tasha), and Kristin Hoff (Jeff), and by her cherished grandchildren, Emily Hoff, Meghan Hoff, Madilyn Hoff, Talia Aronson, and Tovia Aronson, who brought endless happiness and laughter into her life.

Judy worked for many years at the Crary Post Office, where she formed lasting friendships and was known for her warm smile and caring spirit.

She found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She never met a handbag she didn't love, always had a Diet Coke close by (Hardees drive thru knew her well!), and could happily spend an afternoon watching Little House on the Prairie or listening to Elvis Presley. Crocs and cozy sweatshirts were her favorite attire, and if she was spending time with her grandchildren, she was exactly where she wanted to be.

Her faith was an important part of who she was. Judy loved her church family and found joy in singing in the church choir, sharing her voice in praise and fellowship.

Like many families affected by dementia, we watched pieces of the disease take away memories over the years. But it never took away who Judy truly was—a loving wife, devoted mother, proud grandmother, faithful friend, and a woman whose kindness touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

To know Judy was to know unconditional love. She made everyone around her feel welcomed, valued, and cared for, and that will remain her greatest legacy.

Our family will remember her gentle heart, quiet strength, warm hugs, unwavering support, and the countless ways she made each of us feel loved.

A funeral service celebrating Judy's life will be held at Gilbertson Funeral Home in Devils Lake on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. and will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Arnold.

Though our hearts are broken, we are forever grateful for the love she gave us. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, and in the countless memories we will carry with us always.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23