Judith “Judy” O’Connell (85) passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, March 3, 2024, at Good Samaritan St. Martin Village. She was born on April 16, 1938, to Susan J. and G. Leslie (Les) Goodhope in Rapid City, SD. Judy was the youngest of three children, including her older brother Bill (Goodhope) and sister Dianne (Dannie Moravec).

Judy graduated from Rapid City High School in 1956 and attended SDSU in Brookings. She married her high school sweetheart Phil Nichols of Rapid City, and they were blessed with two children, Jeff Nichols (Peoria, AZ) and Lisa Sanders (Hermosa, SD).

Judy left her pursuit of higher education in 1957 to raise their children while Phil pursued a career in Engineering. They would make the difficult decision to divorce in 1973. Judy moved to Chapel Valley with the children and entered the work force with Freed’s Fine Furnishings.

In 1979, Judy married Ronald O’Connell and became a stepmother to his (4) children (Jeff, Jill, Jan, and Jon). They were happily married for 44 years. Ron is amazing and loved Judy the rest of her life. They enjoyed nice trips together, made a new home on Tomahawk Drive, and were blessed by their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

After marrying Ron, Judy worked for Parkside River Park and enjoyed serving people in the chemical dependency field. She made many lifelong friends there and was a blessing to many.

Judy had a lifelong love of animals, enjoying cats, dogs, and especially horses. She was especially fond of rescues and the occasional squirrel or raccoon who made a home in their back yard.

Survivors include her husband Ron, son Jeff (Julie) Nichols, Peoria, AZ; daughter Lisa (Mark) Sanders, Hermosa, SD; stepchildren Jeff, Jill, Jan, and Jon; sister Dianne Moravec, Rapid City. She has (6) grandchildren, (9) great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who will all miss her.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents (Les and Susan Goodhope), brother (Bill Goodhope), brother-in-law (Jack Moravec) and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. She will be laid to rest at Black Hills National Cemetery in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to donate to Monument Hospice, who cared for and blessed her greatly in her last few years.