Judith "Judy" Alice Schliep

Judith (Judy) Alice Schliep, a long-time resident of Holyoke Colorado, passed away November 1, 2025, on All Saints Day. Judy was 92 years old and passed away from chronic health illness related to COPD.

Judy was born October 31, 1933 in Loveland Colorado to Clem Reed (Dick) and Alice (Mathews) Smythe in Loveland Colorado, the youngest of 3 daughters known as the 3Js among aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Judy and her family moved to Denver in 1936, as her dad worked with J.C. Penney at a couple of Denver locations.

In the summer of 1939, the family moved to Holyoke Colorado, where her dad managed the J.C. Penney Store. In the summer of 1939, Holyoke had a housing shortage. Dick and Alice sent the 3Js back to the Mathews farm in Iowa before finding a home in Holyoke.  Before the school year started, the 3Js arrived by train in Wray Colorado from Iowa. Dick and Alice picked the 3Js up and drove north to Holyoke on a dirt road (now HWY 385). Judy shared, “us kids looked at each other in the back seat, on the long drive on a dirt road, not sure where they were driving to begin their new life”. 

Judy loved her home town of Holyoke, where she graduated from Holyoke High School while being involved in band, chorus, drum majorette, twirler and cheerleader. Judy then went to Colorado State College of Education (now known as University of Northern Colorado) for 2 years.

Judy married her high school sweetheart Marlin Schliep on June 12th 1953 in Holyoke, while Marlin was on leave from the Korean War, and before being stationed in Detroit Michigan for 9 months.

Judy and Marlin returned to a farm they purchased north of Lamar Nebr in 1954. They farmed wheat at the time, but to make ends meet, they raised chickens and sold eggs under contact to local stores like Venango; who then sent the eggs on to cities. While living on the Lamar Nebr. farm, Marlin and Judy were blessed with 3 boys after Judy had 3 miscarriages. After 5 years on the Lamar farm (with no telephone), they moved to the Colorado Nebraska Stateline farm where they farmed until 1963. The family then moved to Wellington Colorado in 1963 and then moved to FT Collins Colorado in summer of 1964.

While in Ft Collins Judy went to Beautician School and worked at the salon in J.C. Penney for a year, before purchasing The Sorority Beauty Salon. Judy sold the salon in the summer of 1974 for the chance to move back to the Holyoke, to pursue farming and custom farming.

In 1982 Judy and Marlin bought the Sinclair Station, later known as the Holyoke 66. They operated the station until Marlin’s death in 1993.

In Judy’s retirement years, she continued to make a house a home. Judy loved being outdoors in her yard, and her flower beds. Judy was involved with the Agenda club, and since 1954 she was member of the P.E.O. Club. Judy was affiliated with The Holyoke Methodist Church since moving to Holyoke. Judy also volunteered at the Colorado Welcome Center in Julesburg Colorado for 3 years. Judy had her weekly knitting and crochet group and Sunday night card group. Judy loved refinishing furniture and had several family pieces

Judy was always up for traveling with friends and family. At the age of 78, while in Mexico, she swam in the cenotes and went zip lining several times. Judy also rafted down the Poudre river in July at the age of 79.

Judy had fond memories as an adult celebrating her Halloween birthday with Pat Hofmeister. Often dressing up and visiting family and friends in Holyoke under disguise. “There are many holiday tales to tell throughout the years”.

Judy was a very resilient women, with much grace, empathy and love for the people she met and embraced. “Family time is very important to me”. Judy loved hosting many holidays and non-holiday lunches and dinners throughout the years with family and friends.  

Judy in survived by one son John Schliep. Granddaughters Tamara (Mike) Munsen, Shawna Thacker (Cameron). Daysha (Andrew) Michael. Great grandkids Brett Fischer, Avery Fischer, Acel Thacker, Tannor Thacker, Kya Kerr (Dakota), Lowgen Thacker, and Daethon Thacker and three great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Judy is proceeded in the death by her parents Dick and Alice Smythe, sisters Joann Hofmeister, Janet Hubp, sons Mark Schliep and Scott Schliep and niece Kim Hofmeister. 

In Lieu of flowers, consider giving to your favorite charity in memory of Judy Schliep.

Service will be held Friday November 21, 2025, at 10 AM, at Baucke Funeral Home 1220 SW Interocean Drive, Holyoke Colorado 80734.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.