Judith (Judy) K. Westsik passed away July 21, 2017 in Richland, WA, at the age of 70. Judy was born December 10, 1946 in Portland, OR to Donald and Margaret Eckton. She grew up in Portland, graduating from Cleveland High School in 1964 and Northwest School of Commerce in 1965. She completed her formal education in 1998 with an Associate Degree in Arts and Science from Columbia Basin College.

As she was growing up, she was active in youth activities at Calvary Baptist Church. There she met Leland (Lee) Fetrow. They were married September 24, 1966 at St Mark’s Lutheran Church. Judy followed Lee through his military career, living in Denver CO and Klamath Falls OR. While in Denver, their son Gregory Kurt was born. Following Lee’s discharge from the military, they settled in Richland, WA in 1973, where their daughter Katrina Kimberly was born. Judy was an enriching mother, supporting Greg’s and Katrina’s academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities. She also was active in the community, serving as treasurer of Miss Richland Softball, and similar positions with the PTA, Boy Scouts, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Little League, Pony League and several others. She managed the Spalding Grade School carnival.

Judy worked several years at Pepe’s Pizza until it closed in 1984. She then began her long career at The Arc of Tri-Cities, first as bookkeeper, and then in 1990 until her death, as Executive Director. Under Judy’s leadership, The Arc grew from a staff of four in a small building on Williams Blvd to the thriving organization today with 17 programs supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. One of Judy’s accomplishments was guiding the funding, design, and construction of the new Arc facility on Fowler Street that now bears her name. Through the generous support of donors in the community, the Arc moved to their new facility free of debt.

Judy was a member of Leadership Tri-Cities Class VI. She was active in the National Council of Executives of The Arc and in 2016 received the NCE Chair’s Exemplary Leader Award.

Judy began dating Joe Westsik after she and Lee divorced. After a lengthy courtship, they married May 26, 2001 at All Saints Episcopal Church. At the same ceremony, Joe’s parents celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary. Judy and Joe enjoyed many happy years together, touring open houses, attending The Arc activities locally and across the country, cheering on the Washington State Cougars, tending to Judy’s many flower pots, and spending time with their four grandchildren. They completed a long-time dream, building a “cabin” at the Suncadia resort. At the time of Judy’s death, they were building a downsized home overlooking the Tri-Cities.

Judy is survived by her husband, Joe, son Greg Fetrow (Kim) of Richland, daughter Katrina Rider (Gavin) of West Richland, brother Don (Cathy) Eckton of Portland, OR, brother Bob (Patricia) of Bremerton, WA, and four grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Don and Peggy Eckton, and sister Diane Nelson.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at the Sunset Gardens Event Center, Thursday, August 3 at 5:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Arc of Tri-Cities.