Judy K. Abel, 70 of Salix passed away, surrounded by her family, Saturday, July 25, 2026. A funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 31, 2026 at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Graceland.

Judy was born the daughter of Daniel and Marla (Rogers) Reece, Jr. in Des Moines, Iowa. She graduated from Herbert Hoover High School in 1973, where she loved to dance and swim. Judy married Kerry Abel on May 19, 1979 in Des Moines. During their marriage, they made their home in Des Moines for 10 years before settling in Salix to bathe and feed the birds and chase away them bad squirrels. They were blessed with 47 years together.

Judy worked for Iowa Des Moines National Bank and later for Metz Baking Company. In her retirement, her focus shifted to caring for her grandchildren, which she did without hesitation for nearly 15 years. She loved going to their school activities, driving the Nana Bus and helping with last minute school projects. They held a special place in her heart, and she formed close bonds with them after all the time they spent together.

She enjoyed singing and dancing and also tending to her flower gardens, showing Kerry where to dig for the next new spot and what not to mow over. They loved going for walks daily, window shopping at the mall, or enjoying fresh air at local parks. She liked making crafts of all kinds and was known for her famous potato salad and banana bread. Reading romance mysteries and watching HGTV, NCIS or FBI were also relaxing events. Jeopardy was priority, if you know, you know.

Judy is survived by her husband, Kerry Abel; daughters, Valerie (Rick) White and Dianna (Jon) Hollinrake; grandchildren, Samantha, Caitlyn and Conner; siblings, Anne (Dan) Sweeney, Tom (Stacey) Reece, and Mike (Kim) Reece; sister-in-law, Jan Reece; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, David Reece.