Judith "Judy" Rada

Judith "Judy" Rada,73, passed away on February 26, 2025, at Avera McKennan in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A memorial service will be held at Isburg Funeral Chapel at a later date.

Judy was born on March 29, 1951, in Hot Springs, South Dakota. She moved to Murdo at a young age where she attended school until the eighth grade.

Judy's life was a testament to her resilience and unyielding positivity. Despite being wheelchair-bound from a young age, she transformed every challenge into an opportunity to connect with others and spread joy. Her career as a cashier at the Triple H Restaurant for 27 years was marked by her infectious laughter and the genuine relationships she built with customers and colleagues alike. Later, as a greeter at Walmart in Pierre, Judy's presence was a constant source of comfort and friendship, touching the lives of countless individuals.

Her commitment to others was recognized far and wide, as evidenced by the proclamation of "Judy Rada Day" by Governor Janklow and the heartfelt visits from Senator John Thune. She would also look out for others and often do welfare checks on people who she thought needed a hand. Judy's legacy of compassion extended beyond her own community, as she chose to donate her body to science with the hope of contributing to helping others.

Through River Cities Transit Judy was able to have a life outside of her apartment. It was through them that she was able to continue to work at Walmart and do her daily activities. She testified to the South Dakota Legislators as to the importance of funding for programs through River Cities transit to help people with disabilities.

She volunteered for the Easter Seals, the Christmas Trees at the Capital and she was also an active member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Judy is survived by: her siblings Merle Rada of Coos Bay, Ore.; JoAnn Karstetter of Townsends, Mont.; Diana Koch; Butch Rada and Kenneth Stolley, all of Pierre, S.D.; and Patricia Elrod of Rochester, Minn. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved family members Ione and Robert Webb; Beverley Richards; Arlie Stolley and Floyd Rada.