Judith, a well known and respected member of the community passed peacefully in her sleep at her home of 27 years in Pasco, WA that she shared with her beloved husband Bob before his death in 2020. Judith leaves behind a lasting legacy of service to her community, passion for her work, and love for her family.
Judith was born and raised in Chico, CA. The 6th child, born to Everett Nathaniel and Bernice (Howard) Yockey. She proudly considered herself the “baby” of the family.
Judith raised 4 children as a single mother. (Julie Jeannie, Joyce, and Mark) and then she was gifted a 5th child-Louise, the day she met her soulmate, Bob, on a blind date in 1986.
Judith is survived by her 4 daughters, Julie Gidley-Goad (Scott), Jeannie Gidley-Benson, Joyce Gidley-Hill (Jim), and Louise Shaffer-Plock (Rob). Her sister Linda Yockey-Gidley, her brother Daniel Yockey (Geraldine). 11 grandchildren – Jessica, Sarah, Justin, James, Jakob, Jerek, Jeffrey, Josie, Cole, Lance, and Victoria. 6 great-grandchildren – Brock, Jazlyn, Braycee, Jordyn, Emmett, and Ramsey. Pets – Kyra, Sampson, and Draco. Along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Bernice Yockey. Her husband Robert “Bob” Shaffer Jr. Her only son, Mark Steven Gidley. Her brother Everett Yockey Jr., her sisters Caroline Ruth Palmer, Anna Marie “Sissy” Franklin, and Neva Patricia “Pat” Rector-Gidley.
Please join us for a Celebration of Judith’s life on Thursday October 22nd, 2026, at the Sunset Gardens Event Center, 915 Bypass Highway, Richland, WA from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Judith was the Executive Director of Community Action Connections for 27 years. Her passion for community service has inspired the family to request that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Judith A. Gidley Family Resource Center in-care-of C.A.C., 720 W. Court St Pasco, WA, 99301.
Judith’s ashes will be joined with Bob’s and scattered by her family in the mountains of Western Montana in the spring.