Judith Youngblood Tyler

Judy Youngblood Tyler Judy was born March 25, 1942, in Minneapolis and died July 14, age 81. She was preceded in death by parents Hill and Leslie Youngblood and son Robbie, (who died in a bus/truck accident in 1992 in Mali, West Africa en-route to the University of South Africa). Early on the Youngblood family lived for a short time in St. Louis Park before moving to Los Angeles for serval years. The family eventually moved back to St. Louis Park where they would remain. In high school Judy was a member of the first team of line dancers in Minnesota, the Parkettes, as well as a member of the Park synchronized swim team, the Surf Bells. After graduating in 1960 she attended the University of Minnesota where she met future husband, Tom Tyler while carpooling to campus. Judy was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and over the years she maintained close relationships with her sorority sisters and especially her high school friends. She and husband Tom had two sons, Tommy Jr., and Robbie. She led a rewarding life and was the consummate entertainer. She loved hosting parties for friends and family, preparing the house and the menu with equal care. For many years she was a part of a gourmet food group and enjoyed trying new recipes. The holidays were a favorite time of year. With boxes of decorations (far too many), she would create holiday related scenes throughout the house transforming it into a "holiday wonderland". During summers she tended to her extensive gardens and flowers, creating a home that was her sanctuary. Judy and husband Tom were very socially active and spent many weekends with friends in northern MN. or a favorite vacation spot, Sanibel Island, FL. Her smile and personality were infectious, she easily made friends, even after 60 years she regularly met with many high school and college friends. Her main passion however was animals, especially dogs. While driving with Tom, or watching TV she would often say, 'Oh, look at that cute dog." It could have been any dog, they were all cute to Judy. During her life she fought several health issues. In 1978, at the age of 37, she was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer. At that point she was given two years to live. Defying the odds she survived her first battle with lymphoma and lived another 44 years and survived cancer 4 more times. In past year she had two major surgeries. While recovering, cancer struck a sixth time. She did not fear death and died peacefully on July 14, without pain and with husband Tom at her side. We are grateful to all the staff at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital, especially the oncology department, who kept her alive for so many years. Throughout her life Judy was a beacon of hope to others with any type of illness. She never complained about her cancer or other medical issues. In fact she often said, "You know, I'm really lucky to have made it this far." In spite of all her illnesses Judy's life was a success, she fulfilled her mission. Judy is survived by husband Tom (married for nearly 60 years), son Tommy (Karen), brother, Tom Youngblood, nephews Mark (Greg), Rick, brother-in-law Chuck (Mary and family), and all her friends - all were very important to her. A funeral service will be held at Hennepin Ave. United Methodist Church on Thursday, August 3rd, visitation at 1:00, church service at 2:00, followed by refreshments at the church. There will be a private burial at Lakewood Cemetery. Memorials: Animal Humane Society, 845 Meadow Ln. North, Golden Valley, MN 55422; Hennepin Ave. United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55403.

Tributes

Judith Youngblood Tyler

March 25, 1942 - July 14, 2023

Tributes

Judith Youngblood Tyler

March 25, 1942 - July 14, 2023

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