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Judith Anne Hjelseth, 77

Judith Anne Hjelseth, age 77, passed away on Feb. 5, 2019, while surrounded by her family. Judy was born in Walla Walla, Wash., to parents George and Blanche Chesrown, of Grant County, North Dakota. She grew up in Spokane, Wash. and graduated from North Central High School in 1959.

Judy then went away to Cascade College in Portland, Ore., where she met her husband of 40 years, Gordon Hjelseth. Judy worked as an elementary grade teacher for 25 years. She had a master’s degree and nearly completed a doctorate as well. She was passionate about education and teaching children to read. She spoke at numerous conferences on behalf of Scholastic, to teach other teachers about the whole-language approach.

Judy played the piano all her life and loved to sing; she was a member of the Coeur d’Aleers singing group for a time when she and Gordon lived in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Gordon passed away in 2006, and Judy moved to Mukilteo, Wash., in 2010 to be close to her sister, Sherrill Protzman.

Judy is survived by her brother, Roger; her sister and brother-in-law, Sherrill and Hughes Protzman; and was preceded in death by her brother, Mick.

There will be a memorial service at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, at the First Presbyterian Church, 521 E. Lakeside Ave., Coeur d’Alene, where she served as a Deaconess. Judy will be laid to rest with her husband, Gordon, at Fairmount Memorial Park Cemetery in Spokane.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Judith’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.