CHARLES CITY — Judith “Judi” Kay Gartland, 72, formerly of Charles City, Iowa, whose independent spirit, straightforward honesty and ability to make friends wherever she went left a lasting impression on those who knew her, died Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Friendship Manor in Rock Island, Illinois.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt Street in Charles City. Visitation will take place from 10 to 11 a.m., immediately before the service. Inurnment will follow at Sunnyside Memory Gardens in Charles City.
Born Judith Kay Hamm on September 10, 1954, in Charles City, Judi was the daughter of Rex and Joyce (Husemoller) Hamm. She grew up with a curiosity about the world around her and later attended college, where she studied computer programming.
Throughout her working years, Judi proved herself capable of handling a wide variety of jobs and responsibilities. Described by her family as a true jack of all trades, she worked in several occupations, including as a waitress and bartender, before finding enjoyment in her later years as a convenience store associate.
Whatever the job or setting, Judi’s greatest talent may have been connecting with people.
She possessed a natural gift for conversation and seemed capable of striking up a friendship with just about anyone. Whether she was working, visiting with friends or spending an afternoon at the bowling alley, Judi was comfortable meeting new people and sharing a conversation.
Those who knew her understood that she was never one to hide her opinions. Judi approached life with a refreshing directness, speaking her mind and making her feelings known without unnecessary ceremony.
Her independent nature and carefree attitude were defining parts of her personality. She preferred to do things her own way, embracing the opportunities and friendships that came along without worrying too much about what others expected.
Away from work, Judi enjoyed activities that challenged her mind. Crossword puzzles and Sudoku were among her favorites, and she appreciated puzzles of many kinds.
She also had a deep affection for animals, particularly the beloved pets that brought companionship and happiness into her life.
Motorcycle rides provided another source of enjoyment, while trips to the bowling alley offered opportunities for recreation and socializing.
And when it came time to relax, Judi was always happy to enjoy a cup of her favorite “Cappa-coffee,” a simple pleasure that became one of the familiar details her family associated with her.
Through the years, Judi’s outgoing personality helped her build friendships wherever life took her. Her honesty and willingness to speak her mind were balanced by her enjoyment of others and the connections she made along the way.
Family remained an important part of her life, and she leaves behind children, grandchildren and a great-granddaughter who will carry forward memories of her distinctive personality and independent spirit.
Judi is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Mel and Stacey Hewitt of Bondurant, Iowa, and Shane and Kim Hewitt of Charles City.
She also leaves three grandchildren, McCain Hewitt, Chase Hulbert and Dakota Hewitt; and one great-granddaughter, Oaklyn Hewitt.
Additional survivors include her brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Marty Hamm of Monmouth, Illinois; and her niece, Shelly, along with Shelly’s daughters, Tia, Aryssia and Raven, and their families.
Judi was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Joyce Hamm.
From her Charles City beginnings to the many places and people she encountered throughout her life, Judi maintained a personality that was unmistakably her own.
She found happiness in everyday experiences, whether solving a crossword puzzle, enjoying time with her pets, taking a motorcycle ride or sharing a conversation over coffee.
Her family and friends will remember a woman who valued independence, spoke with conviction, embraced the friendships she made and approached life on her own terms.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family through Fullerton Family of Funeral Homes’ online obituary and tribute page for Judith Gartland.
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