Judith Gourley

Private services are planned for Marion native Judith Lee Gourley, 86, who died May 5 in Kirkland, Washington.

Born May 16, 1938, in Marion, she graduated from the University of Kansas with degrees in sociology and psychology and later education.

She spent a year teaching multiple grades in one classroom in Adelong, Australia, and many years as a fourth-grade teacher in Grants Pass, Oregon. 

In summers, she worked as a forest ranger in Siskiyou National Forest. After retiring, she was a court-appointed special advocate for children.

She played guitar and mandolin in a bluegrass band around Grants Pass. She continued to swing and square dance well into her 80s.

In recent years Judy moved to Seattle to be close to her son and his family.

She is survived by children Sheryl and John and two grandsons.