Judy DeHart, born Judith Kathleen Mohr, passed away peacefully after surgery due to medical complications, June 12, 2014, in her birth hospital PHRM. Judy was born September 9, 1940 to John N. and Laura Frances Mohr of Hood River, OR. Judy, a fourth generation Hood River Valley pioneer, spent her childhood years at the Mohr homestead farm in Pine Grove and family Hood River city homes as well. She attended schools in Hood River and was a proud Dragon of the Class of 1958. Judy attended Marylhurst College then returned to Hood River where she gained employment at US Bank. On April 14, 1963, Judy married Ken DeHart of Odell, OR. Judy and Ken lived in Bend, OR, where they started their family with the birth of their son Kenny in 1964. They moved to Odell and began managing the family grocery business her father in law Ray DeHart had established. Several years later they expanded their family with daughters Kathleen and Karen. Judy worked part time as bookkeeper at the store while raising their children in the home on Straight Hill Rd. She was a member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority and Odell Lions club ladies auxiliary.
In 1980, with her true pioneering spirit, Judy began her single parent life of juggling a basement full of Kenny's friends and running Karen and Kathleen into town for dance class and ballgames. During this time, Judy also increased her community involvement. Judy worked part time over the years as a bookkeeper at Pioneer Potlatch, Mid-Columbia School of Dance, The Diet Center, Humanities Software and Job Works. Judy was a member and officer of the Hood River Emblem Club and a very dedicated member of the Friends of Bill W. in which she attended many noon meetings with supportive friends around the valley offering her strength, hope and experience for more than 25 years!
She was a dedicated parishioner and volunteer at St Mary's Catholic Church, holding office in Altar Society, singing in the choir and coordinating dinner events and bazaars. She delighted in having the very best Christmas Raffle in the valley!
Judy was an incredible mom, and is loved by many as "Momma Judy." There were very few football, basketball, baseball or softball games or track meets in which you would hear her horn honk in a cheering fashion or you could hear her holler "Woo-Woo!" She was at every dance performance and watched motorcycles nervously out her picture windows. She was a true fan of her children and their friends and rarely said no to having a houseful of kids over. She loved taking them to music performances, Broadway plays, the circus and other traveling events in Portland. As grandchildren came along, train rides, feeding geese at the port, blowing bubbles and Disney movies were her delight!
Judy is preceded in death by her parents John and Laura Mohr. She is survived by her stepmother Nonie Mohr of Canby, OR, son Kenny DeHart and his wife Elizabeth of The Dalles, OR, daughter Kathleen Sanders and her husband Martin of Lake Oswego, OR and daughter Karen Cohn with her husband Bart of Hood River, OR. Judy has five grandchildren, Michael James DeHart, Maranda DeHart, Taylor Sanders, Zachary DeHart and Travis Sanders. Six Great Grandchildren, Brandon DeHart, James DeHart, Kaden Thorton, Lillianna DeHart, Xzavier Santiago, and Anthony James DeHart. Additionally, Judy is survived by her sister Jeanne Ellison with her husband John Ellison of Hillsboro, OR and brothers with their wife’s, John and Shirley Mohr of Mukilteo, WA, Jim and Colleen Mohr of Eugene, OR and Joe and Jill Mohr of Wilsonville, OR.
Contributions and donations may be made in her honor to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church building fund or the Hood River Senior center.