Judy Marill Davidson

Judith Marill Davidson (aka "Judy") of Ashland, Oregon, passed away unexpectedly on November 27, 2024, at the age of 89.

Judy was born in Seattle, Washington in 1935 to parents Flora and Herbert Grage. Growing up in Seattle and, later, Bellevue, she loved exploring the outdoors and participating in many activities with friends. Judy graduated from Bellevue High School in 1952 and earned a degree in education from Central Washington State College in 1956.

While raising three boys, Judy dedicated many years to being a librarian and library media specialist with the Ellensburg (WA) and Ashland (OR) school districts, fostering a love of reading and learning in countless students. She obtained a Master's degree in Education Media Design & Technology from the University of Oregon in 1981. Judy's curiosity and passion for learning continued throughout her life as she researched family genealogy and explored the world around her, reading widely and taking numerous lifelong learning classes at Southern Oregon University, ranging from art, to literature and writing, to science and nature.

Judy loved spending time outdoors-walking, hiking, skiing, camping, gardening, and beachcombing with her three boys and, later, with her grandchildren. Skiing, especially, brought her lifelong joy. Beginning in her teen years, as a member of the Bellevue High ski team, she shared this passion, later raising a family of skiers, volunteering with the Mt. Ashland Racing Association, and eagerly cutting fresh tracks with friends at Mt. Ashland and elsewhere, well into her 80s. She eagerly looked forward to her annual ski trips to Sun Valley, Idaho with friends.

Her adventurous spirit extended beyond the mountains, as she traveled extensively and formed lasting friendships across the globe. She held a special place in her heart for her dear friends in France-especially Gilbert and family-as well as friends in Japan, Korea, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Switzerland. She also treasured time spent visiting her sons and their families in Washington, Utah, New Mexico, and Baja.

Judy always had a twinkle in her eye and a dance in her step. She found delight in simple pleasures-ending each day with warm conversation while sipping her evening "olive" or glass of wine with cherished friends, a tradition she happily continued after moving to her final home at the Springs at Anna Maria in Medford, Oregon. She was deeply loved by her family and friends and will be sorely missed.

Judy is survived by her former husband, Robert Davidson, their sons, Gary, Bradley, and Matthew Davidson; grandchildren, Mena, Brian, Téa, and Joliana Davidson; siblings, Joyce Grage and Dennis Grage; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Judy's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ashland Woodlands and Trails Association, a cause close to her heart.