Jody Lynn Budde

Jody Lynn Budde, a beautiful and loving wife and mom, passed away January 17, 2026. Jody was born on January 25, 1949, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Jack and June Blair.

She was raised in Michigan along with her younger sisters, Robin Blair, Jackie (Mike) Sayfie, and Becky (Don) Miller. Jody loved to spend time with her grandma and grandpa Schonwald at the cottage in Grand Haven, Lake Michigan.

Jody graduated from Ottawa Hills high school, graduating in 1969 and went on to attend Central Michigan University and earned her teaching degree. During this time, she met her husband, Thomas K. Budde. Jody helped put Tom through dental school at University of Michigan by teaching at Lincoln Developmental School for Kids with Special Needs. Once Tom graduated from dental school, they took the leap and moved west to Livingston, Montana to enjoy the mountains and outdoors.

Some of Jody’s best memories were made on the ranch she and Tom owned in Paradise Valley, Montana. She was proud of the acre vegetable garden she had on the ranch and continued to garden throughout her life, always having the most beautiful flower gardens. Jody enjoyed having furry pets and loved many dogs and cats throughout her life. Jody was a lifelong fitness buff and the fastest walker. Anyone that knew her knew it was hard to keep up with her! She was a great cook and loved trying new and healthy recipes that she collected. Jody had an eye for decorating with a mix of her vintage collections and American West artwork making her homes cozy and welcoming. Her Paradise Valley home was even featured in Country Living magazine. Tom and Jody lived in various Montana communities including Livingston, Bozeman, Wolf Point, Lewistown, Billings, and Glasgow.

Jody’s happiest moments were when she was with her family, dogs, and kitties. She adored her two children and their spouses and four grandchildren. She was a loving mom to Brooke (Budde) Buchanan (Todd) of Red Lodge, Montana and Ryan (Cara) Budde of Glasgow, Montana. Her grandchildren, Thomas and Meredith Buchanan and Ava and Jaxon Budde were the light of her life. Jody is also survived by her brother-in-law, Jim (Karen) Budde and sister-in-law Jane (Doug) Hall.

Jody will be deeply missed but our memories with her will live with us forever.

A celebration of life will be held with close family later this summer.