Judy M Twetten

Judy Twetten, age 73, of Ridgeway, Iowa passed away on July 18, 2025.
Judith Marie Twetten was born October 18, 1951, to Walter "Bob" and Jean (Moeller) Twetten in Spencer, Iowa. During her younger years, her family moved to Coralville and later Ames, Iowa.
Judy graduated from Ames High School and went on to Iowa State University for her teaching degree. After she graduated from Iowa State, she moved to Australia and taught school there in 1974 and 1975. After her adventures in Australia, she returned to Des Moines and worked at the juvenile home for several years. This experience, and many of her life's pursuits, were challenging but deeply fulfilling.
When Judy met her husband Roger in 1985, they instantly clicked. By December of 1985, they were married in Las Vegas. Judy then moved to Cresco, Iowa, to live with Roger. They welcomed their son David the following year, and daughter Kathryn four years later. Judy was fortunate to stay home with David and Kathryn while they were young. They enjoyed lots of playtime, reading books, trips to the park, and learning all about farming with Roger. When David and Kathryn grew older, Judy returned to teaching as the talented and gifted teacher at the Howard-Winneshiek school district. Judy was an exceptional teacher who encouraged her students to reach their full potential, both academically and personally.
In her spare time, Judy had many artistic projects, including cross-stitch, painting, and puzzles. Judy had a deep love of reading and filled her home with books of all kinds. If she wasn't painting or reading, she entertained herself with her favorite musicals and movies. She loved going to water aerobics and socializing with her friends there. Judy had a way of sharing life's funny moments-especially those with her kids-that made us all smile. She had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. Her gift for conversation and her joyful presence will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Bob Twetten and Jean Twetten, and her brother, John Twetten.
She is survived by her husband, Roger Ryan, and her children, David Ryan and Kathryn Kruse, son-in-law, Kendall Kruse, and her new grandson, Oliver Kruse. She is also survived by her brother, Jim Twetten, and his wife, Amy Twetten, niece and nephew, Mindy Davis (Brian Davis) and Tanner Twetten (Alexandra Kaplan); sister-in-law, Jean Ryan, and niece/"pretend grandchild" Sara Gehling.
Whenever family would leave, her farewell greeting was always, "Bye, See ya, Love ya".
A special thank you to the team at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse for the exceptional care provided to Judy in her final days.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to the family as they share in fulfilling wishlists of fellow teachers with the memorials received.
A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00pm on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Schmelzer Funeral Home in Cresco (formerly known as Lindstroms).