Judith "Judy" Vejtasa

On November 8, 2022 Judith Reed "Ma" Vejtasa saddled up for her final roundup. Judy, Ma

or Mrs. V. as she was commonly known, was born February 25, 1935 to Fred and Eloise (Brockway) Reed in Great Falls, MT.

Judy would attend elementary, middle and high school in Stanford, MT where she grew up on the family ranch on Surprise Creek. Her early life consisted of working cattle with her dad and participating in local and high school rodeos. Her first year of high school she won the state cow cutting competition upon her trusty mare Sissy while her dad pushed cows back at her as fast as she could cut them out. She liked to boast about outdoing her dad as she won the contest. Judy, along with the help of her younger brother, Bob, would work together on the ranch until she graduated from high school and attended Lindenwood College for Women in St. Charles, Missouri. She then attended Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT earning a teaching degree in English, drama and journalism. This would turn out to be a career path that would extend over the next 52 years. Ma's teaching career would take her to Denton, Venezuela, Billings, Stanford, Geyser and eventually the Surprise Creek Colony. Ma touched and influenced the lives of thousands of students and teachers. She always enjoyed sharing stories about her students, and the numerous plays that she directed over the years.

In 1965, while teaching at the Billings Business College and raising two little ones (Fred and Liz) on her own, Ma was introduced to John "Stub" Vejtasa. They would marry in March of 1967 and blend their families together as Stub had three kids of his own (Bonnie, John and Marty). The two of them would go on to have three more kids together (Steve, Valerie and Bill). In 1971 they would move back to the family ranch on Surprise Creek and build their forever home together. They both continued their respective careers in teaching and construction. Stub and Judy also raised Hereford cattle which taught their kids about hard work and discipline. It was on the ranch that the kids would learn to live by Ma's favorite saying that she learned from her dad, "Remember we hired out tough. Get your damn boots on and let’s go!" These were words she lived by her entire life and always seemed to be on the go doing something.

Judy was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Order of the Eastern Star, Stanford American Legion Auxiliary and Daughters of the American Revolution. Ma will always be remembered for her infectious smile, selflessness, and giving spirit to everyone who was lucky enough to be in her life.

Judy is survived by brother, Bob (Joyce Hogan) Reed and their daughter Rhonda Reed; Daughters, Bonnie (John) Maze and their children Matt and Melinda (Jimmy), Liz (Mike) Howell and their children Bailey and Colter, Valerie (Ty) Jones and their children Carlee and Taw; Sons John Vejtasa and his children Shannon (Jesse) and Shilo, Marty (Kelly Snyder) Vejtasa, Fred (Tara Cavender) Reed and their child Kara, Steve & (Valerie Zier) Vejtasa and their children Jordan (Thomas), Tyler and Allen, Bill (Britni Hammer) Vejtasa and their children Keely, Peyton and Hurley; 14 great grand kids.

Judy was preceded in death by parents Fred and Eloise (Brockway) Reed, brother Fred Reed Jr., husband John "Stub" Vejtasa, granddaughters Hope Vejtasa and Kerry Vejtasa Weir, grandson John Vejtasa.

In lieu of flowers, Ma suggested any donations go to the Judith Basin County Free Library or Stanford Playground fund. A celebration of Ma's life will take place in the spring of 2023 as she never did like the cold. The Cloyd Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.cloydfuneralhome.com