Judith Anne (Ellenberger) West of Chugwater passed away on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in Torrington. Judy was born on Valentine’s Day, in 1942, in Fort Morgan, Colorado. She was the daughter of Herman and Ella Ellenberger. At the age of four, Judy and the family moved to Trinidad, Colorado.
After graduating from Trinidad High School in 1959, she attended the University of Northern Colorado and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education.
Judy went on to use her teaching degree to touch the lives of countless students in her 32 years as a math teacher. From Trinidad High School, to Hoehne High, and here at the Chugwater High School, she dedicated her life to helping her kids become proficient in math and life.
Judy’s dedication to education extended to the state level where she helped initiate the education standards that we use today. In addition, she volunteered her extra time to the kids through her involvement with local 4-H clubs, math competitions, quilting and Laramie Peak CattleWomen.
In 1964, Judy married the love of her life Walter Thomas West (Tom) and settled down in southern Colorado on the family farm. In 1990, she and Tom moved to Chugwater to the family ranch where Judy continued to teach and educate the kids in southeastern Wyoming. She retired in 1996 where she then became involved on the local school board for the next eight years and was instrumental for positive change and growth in the school district.
Judy is survived by her husband Tom; kids Marika and Dean Anderson, Kit and Krista West; grandkids Decker, Ashlyn, Rory, Brody; and her brother John Ellenberger.
Judy had a love of gardening, singing in the choir and quilting. One of her greatest passions was to be out on the ranch, riding her horse and being a part of the family ranch. A celebration of life will be held this summer, on the family ranch, in Chugwater. As singing was always a great part of her life, we will be dancing and celebrating her life with music.
A celebration of life will be held this summer on the family ranch in Chugwater.
