Bethel Irene Jude

Obituary for Bethel Irene (Byrd) Jude

Having lived an extraordinarily happy and long life, Bethel Irene (Byrd) Jude was called back into the arms of the merciful Lord on October 6, 2025, she was 101 years old. Bethel passed away at her home in Georgetown TX surrounded by loving family. Bethel was a devoted wife and a loving and supportive mother whose most prodigious virtue was that of placing the needs of her family before her own and wanting nothing in return. Bethel was born on September 3, 1924 in Corbin Kentucky to Roy and Nellie Byrd and was raised there with her sisters Bervelee, June, Iris, and Barbara. Bethel graduated from Corbin HS in 1942 and then attended business college in Louisville Ky. Following her graduation, she worked as an executive secretary for the L and N Railroad. Soon after WWII, Bethel met and married Floyd Willian Jude on September 25, 1948. Bethel and Bill lived in California and Colorado while Bill worked as a logistics specialist for the U.S. Department of Defense. During those years Bethel and Bill raised 6 children, Donna (Jude) Bastian, Michael Jude, Daniel Jude, Patrick Jude, Thomas Jude, and John Jude and frequently enjoyed family vacations that included camping and fishing trips in the mountains of Colorado.

In 1969 Bill retired from his government position and he and Bethel moved their family to Southwest Wisconsin where they owned and operated a pork and angus beef farm. During that time in Wisconsin, Bethel worked at Hazel Green Hospital and Clinic in Hazel Green Wi and was continually involved in her children's activities including high school sports, band, Camp Fire Girls, and 4-H Club, among others. After retiring from farming, Bethel and Bill moved to Fredericksburg Tx where they enjoyed an active retirement life participating in charity programs for the less fortunate, golfing, and socializing with friends and neighbors. After Bill's death in 2007, Bethel moved to Sun City in Georgetown Texas to be near her children living in Austin Texas. It was there that she lived her remaining years actively pursuing Tai Chi, Chagaon, and involvement in various Sun City charitable and social clubs. Bethel was a proud and caring mother of six children, fifteen grandchildren, and eighteen great grandchildren and was preceded in death by her sisters Bervelee, June, Iris, and Barbara, her brother Roy, her loving husband Bill, her son Daniel, and her grandson Joshua. Bethel is survived by one daughter, Donna (John), 4 sons Michael (Kirsten), Patrick, Thomas (Kristi), John (Laura), 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. A graveside memorial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Fredericksburg Tx on January 17th 2026 followed by a Celebration of Bethel's life.

Bethel preferred that all memorials be given in the form of donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.