Obituary of Judith E. DeWalt

JUDITH E. DEWALT - On the evening of January 20th of this year, surrounded by loved ones, Judy went to be with the Lord. On October 4, 1938 she came into this world as the first born of her family and became the beloved big sister of four brothers and three sisters. As a big sister, she made life an adventure with her appreciation for God's creation and a brilliant imagination. As a mother, she did much of the same. As an Artist, she enjoyed working with water colors and then oils making beautiful pieces of the Coast and Countryside of Maine and the California coast. She created paper mache heads for costumes which were used at various parades in the Mid-Coast Maine area. She has written many poems and short stories. For one of our favorites, "The Legend of the Christmas Goose", she created a small scale version of a village contained in the story and read her story to the children at the Rockland Library. She had a love for God’s creation, for the outdoors, she enjoyed camping, hiking and time with her family. Some of her most cherished memories are days spent at her sister's camp at Dyer Long Pond. She crocheted beautiful doilies and tablecloths. She enjoyed singing, playing the piano and guitar. Throughout the years many enjoyed her strong, beautiful voice as she sang various hymns and her favorite songs. She was predeceased by both parents, Charles and Elaine Rackliff and her son Kenneth; and is survived by her sons and daughter, Gerald Harjula and wife Janet of South Thomaston, Steven Rackliff of Waldoboro, Robert and Deborah DeWalt of Paradise, CA, Douglas DeWalt of Machiasport, Suzanne Markey and husband Craig of Chico, CA, Daniel DeWalt and fiance Jennifer Bacon of Rockland; brothers and sisters, Ralph Rackliff, Janet Benner, Marianne Fowler , Donald Rackliff, Robert Rackliff, Linda Allen and Larry Rackliff; grandchildren, Brooke, Alexandra, Aaron, Makenna, Michael, Kristi, Megan, Naomi, Craig II, Taylour, Daniel II, James and Joshua; great-grandchildren Theodore, Sara, Jaden and Amelia; nieces, nephews and cousins. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Quarry Hill who cared for her with much love. A Memorial will be held Wednesday, January 25th at 3 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Rockland. In lieu of flowers, we would be blessed if donations are made to the American Cancer Society in memory of her. Arrangements are under the care of Direct Cremation of Maine, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast. On-line condolences may be offered at www.directcremationofmaine.com.