Judy “Judz” Mitchell Downs, born in Des Moines, Iowa, on August 29, 1954, a graduate from Bondurant Farrar and longtime resident of Ankeny, Iowa, passed peacefully with family by her side on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, after a courageous battle facing pancreatic cancer and the chronic conditions that resulted.

Visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Heartland Church (1212 NW 36th St., Ankeny). A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., also at the church, followed by a luncheon and family burial at Fjeldberg Cemetery in Huxley, Iowa. The funeral will be livestreamed at the following link: https://youtube.com/live/5-Kra5sAo6Y?feature=share

Judy lived a life filled with laughter, adventure, and unwavering love. To the many people who knew her, Judy held countless roles, but her favorite titles were Mom, Ginny, and Gigi. She carried each of those names close to her heart, embracing her family with a warmth and devotion that will forever be remembered. Judy had a gift for finding joy in the world around her. She loved riding mules in various trail rides and in the Pony Express Riders of Iowa for Camp Sunnyside, spending late-summer days at the Iowa State Fair, and escaping to the sunshine of Florida each July with her TS28 crew. Judy was a hard-working dedicated employee of Northwestern Mutual for 29 years where she impacted many and connected through lifelong friendships with her “Peeps”. Her phone and her lip gloss were never far from her hand, ready for a selfie or a quick chat and shared laugh.

More than anything, Judy treasured time with her many friends and family as well as her trusty sidekick, Chico. Her home, her arms, and her heart were always open. She made every gathering brighter and every moment a little more meaningful.

Judy leaves behind a legacy of kindness, adventure, and love. Those who were blessed to know her will carry her spirit with them – through stories, laughter, and the countless memories she helped create. She will be greatly missed and forever cherished.

She is survived by her daughters, Jill Markuson (Ken Johnson) of Ankeny, Iowa, and Jessica (Kyle) Snyder of Marion, Iowa; five grandchildren, Dylan Johnson, Gage Johnson, Owen Snyder, Oliver Snyder, and Nadily Markuson; brother, Mike (Deb) Mitchell of Collins, Iowa; sister, Jan (Steve) Miller of Russell, Iowa; half-brother, Matthew Henrich of Conrad, Iowa; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Judy was preceded in death by her father, Robert “Mitch” (Marietta) Mitchell; mother, Beverly Henrich; brother, Steve Mitchell; and niece, Melissa Viers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Project Purple.

Visitation

Dec

11

Heartland Church

1212 NW 36th St.
Ankeny, IA 50023

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Funeral Service

Dec

11

Heartland Church

1212 NW 36th St.
Ankeny, IA 50023

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM