Judith Louella "Judy" Hergenreder

Judith Louella (Bays) Hergenreder

July 30, 1945 – January 14, 2026

Judith "Judy" Hergenreder was born on July 30, 1945, in Casper, Wyoming, to Cody and Onalee (Anderson) Bays. She was the beloved baby sister to three older brothers who remained her best friends throughout her life.

Judy grew up in Midwest, Wyoming, where she was active in student council, cheerleading, and Job's Daughters International. She graduated from Midwest High School in 1963, carrying with her the warmth, loyalty, and lively spirit that would define her life.

After graduation, Judy married Gerald Morris. The couple lived briefly in Spearfish, South Dakota before settling in Meeker, Colorado, where they raised their three children-Cody, Todd, and Nicole. Judy quickly became part of the heart of the Meeker community, working a variety of jobs and building lifelong friendships. When she wasn't working, she could be found at the bowling ally, on the golf course, or-most often-on the sidelines cheering for her kids. Being a mom was her greatest joy, and she was always their loudest and proudest supporter. Even after moving away, Judy forever considered Meeker her hometown and cherished every visit back.

In 1988, Judy relocated to Fort Collins, Colorado, where she worked for Triple Crown Sports before beginning a long career in banking, holding a number of positions until her retirement. In 1991, she married Ed Hergenreder, and the two made their home in Windsor, Colorado. Judy and Ed became familiar faces at polka dances across the Front Range, rarely missing a chance to take to the dance floor. They loved traveling together and never missed the Bays family's annual Estes Park vacation, where mini-golf tournaments with her brothers and sisters-in-law determined a year's worth of bragging rights.

After Ed's passing in 2015, Judy set out on a new adventure, moving east to live with her daughter and son-in-law. That journey eventually led her to St. Cloud, Florida, where she delighted in warmer winters, walks in the sunshine, and dipping her toes in the ocean. She loved sitting on the patio listening to music, tending her flowers, and planning the next trip.

In her later years, Judy faced Alzheimer's disease with courage and grace, never letting it define the joy she found in family and everyday life. Her family is especially grateful to Nicole and Bryan for their devoted care, and her caregiver Jennifer for her compassion and support.

Judy was always busy and full of life. She had a gift for growing beautiful flowers and vegetable gardens. She loved reading, embroidery, rum and Cokes, and good country music to dance to in the kitchen. A lifelong Denver Broncos fan, she loved watching football and golf on television, cheering from her favorite chair. She was a wickedly good cribbage and rummy player, and if the morning included a hot cup of coffee and the Today show, she knew it would be a good day.

Above all, Judy loved her family fiercely and completely. She was over the moon to be "Nana" and "Grannie," and she made everyone around her feel welcome, safe, and deeply loved. She was encouraging, kind, funny, and brave. Judy could light up a room. She gave the best hugs, loved her children proudly, and her eyes sparkled whenever she was with family and friends. She will be missed beyond measure. There is a space in this world that will never be filled by her absence.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Ed Hergenreder; her son, Cody Morris; her parents, Cody and Onalee Bays; and her sister-in-law, Linda Bays.

She is survived by her children, Nicole (Bryan) Freeman of St. Cloud, Florida, and Todd (Jerri) Morris of Meeker, Colorado; her three brothers, Jim (Karen) Bays, Jerry Bays, and John (Peggy) Bays; her treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Services celebrating Judy's life will be held in early summer, with details to be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to a favorite local charity in Judy's memory.