Judith Jane Wallinder

Judith Jane Wallinder, 98, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 27, surrounded by family in her home.

Born on December 2, 1926, in Roy, Montana, Judy was one of five Woodard children raised on the Red Barn Ranch by her parents, Jack and Mary. After graduating from Roy High School, she became a beautician and later met the love of her life, Peter Wallinder. They married in 1948 in Lewistown and made their home in Billings, Montana, where they raised two daughters, Carol (Daniel) and Kim (Moffet).

When Pete died of cancer in 1974, Judy stepped up with resilience and determination to take over his insurance business. After surviving a near-fatal car accident in 1975, she rebuilt and expanded the business with hard work, kindness, integrity, and a passion for serving her customers. Judy became a respected leader in her field, earning the first title of Farmers Insurance Agent of the Year in 1988 and Personal Lines Agent of the Year in 1993. In 1989, she proudly rode in the Rose Bowl Parade and was later inducted as the first agent into the Farmers Insurance Hall of Fame alongside the company’s founders. She retired from the insurance business at the age of 86.

Judy touched many lives in the Billings community through her involvement and support of organizations including Yellowstone 4-H, NILE, Rocky Mountain College, First Presbyterian Church, youth sports, Friendship House, Yellowstone Arts Center, Moss Mansion, the Billings Symphony and many others. She was always deeply grateful to the Billings area community for support throughout her career.

She is survived by her daughters and their spouses (Gary Daniel and Lou Moffet), four grandchildren (Brett Daniel, Roger Daniel, Meredith (Daniel) Lucas, Matthew Moffet) and eight great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren always brought a smile to her face. Her family is her most important legacy.

The family also expresses heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers, therapists and Riverstone Hospice who lovingly supported Judy at home over the past decade.

Judy’s life was a testament to the power of kindness, perseverance, faith, and community. She will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 13 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Billings, Montana.

Memorials may be made to:

Yellowstone County 4-H Foundation
c/o Roni Baker
301 N 27th St, #330
Billings, MT 59101

or 

First Presbyterian Church