Today, as I reflect back on when I first became aware of The River of Time Museum, it seems like it was only yesterday…In reality it’s been about 12 years of many yesterdays.

While attending my first event at The River of Time Museum I was a stranger. However, there was one Lady, wearing a western hat, who introduced herself to me. She graciously made me feel like I was no longer like a stranger. She gave me a genuine feeling for wanting to get involved with the museum. For the past six years I’ve served on the Board of Directors.

After attending other museum functions that Lady wearing her western hat always welcomed me with her traditional friendly warm hug. Of course, we know that Lady — she was Our Judy.

I learned that throughout the museum’s early formable and developing period Our Judy, wearing her western hat, and doing it her way was one of those many significant folks who helped get the water flowing at The River of Time Museum. Through her persistence and patience she also won the museum the confidence of the Fort McDowell Nation. She helped in the planning and launch of The River Bank Store. Through her many efforts she give us what we all view today with great pride — The River of Time Museum.

In 1939 a highly celebrated movie was released titled “Only Angels Have Wings.” It starred Cary Grant and Rita Hayworth. In one scene from the movie Grant calls after Rita saying, her screen name, “Judy! Judy! Judy!” That line makes me think of Our Judy. However, I’d change the movie title to: “Only Angels Have Wings — And Also Wear Western Hats!”

Judy you and your signature western hat will always be missed…until we meet again.