Judy (Schummer) McKnight

Judy (Schummer) McKnight, 74, passed away peacefully at her home in Declo, Idaho, surrounded by family, from congested heart failure on July 14, 2025. 

Born “Judy Lorraine” on March 21, 1951, in Sturgis, South Dakota, she entered the world prematurely at just 25 weeks, weighing only 2 pounds 4 ounces. She spent several months in an incubator and remained a tiny gal all her life- sometimes never weighing over 90 pounds. As an adult she wore a size 2 shoe!

Judy’s early years were spent in Whitehead, South Dakota, before the family moved to Almo, Idaho, in the mid-1950s and then to Oakley, Idaho, in 1960s.  After high school, Judy lived in Montana, Colorado, and Oregon during different stages of her life.  She eventually came back to Idaho where other family members lived, residing in Heyburn, Burley, and Declo, and worked at the Stinker Station in Heyburn for several years. 

She loved her Pug “Mac” and was devastated when he died but two kittens (brother and sister) she named Tom and Precious soon eased her heartache.  She had these two for over 10 years and since she lived alone a lot when older they were good company for her.  She made the best oven roasted beef that you ever had!  Judy was an exceptional seamstress – she could make anything from aprons to curtains.  Her specialty was sewing quilts, and she would admit that when she was “on a roll” fabric would fill every room, and the hum of her sewing machine could be heard for days. 

Judy had many hardships and heartbreaks during her life but never let them keep her down.  Judy cherished her home life in her later years, and was always glad to see friends and family, flashing that great smile that made you feel so special.

Judy is survived by her daughter, Nancy McKnight (Oregon); sisters Linda Perkins (Nevada) and Joanne Ply (Rupert); brother Larry Schummer (Gooding); five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sons Mickey and Daniel McKnight; grandson Eric McKnight; parents Vic and Madge Schummer; brothers Terry and Mark Schummer; sister Mae Crawford; sister-in-law Kathy Schummer; and nephew Chance Schummer.

In accordance with Judy’s wishes, no public service will be provided. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Hansen Mortuary.

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