September 22, 1943 – January 11, 2024
“that is all I want”
The last Christmas gift I gave my mom was to promise her that since she was the first one to hold me in her arms when I was born, that I would be holding her when she passed. I cannot describe the smile, but she said, “that is all I want.”
January 11th at 11:58AM that is exactly what happened. One of the advantages of being the sole surviving member
of my family is that there is no one’s approval I seek on how I choose to write her obituary.
Jude Latchford made it to 80, when she had always said that was her goal. She would tell you she had a wonderful life, a daughter she loved, a husband she was ready to unite with, missing him terribly since his passing in 2011. She will forever be remembered by any who knew her to have a genuine smile that people could feel. An unfailing belief in kindness and that she was an incredible listener to anyone in need, including strangers. What many didn’t get to see was her stubbornness and her intensely competitive spirit that did not mellow with age. I would venture a guess that her passing on the 11th, the same numerical day as her older sister was no coincidence.
She supported local arts and businesses, was quick to buy any child a book who was willing to read, loved her church family at Good Shepherd and loved few things as much as a great pair of shoes and a properly made Gin Martini.
Although I look much like my dad, it was my mom from whom I inherited my optimism and desire to feel joy. She longed for our country to find peace and for people to remember to never let go of hope. She got to experience Cloverdale for the last 12 years of her life and often referred to it as the shire, which always put the biggest smile on her face.
For every single Cloverdale resident whose life she connected with, I want to say a HUGE Thank You. Thank you for always making her feel a part of this amazing community and thank you for keeping a part of her alive in you with whatever memories you shared. My mom’s favorite word was “hope” and may the seeds she planted
here continue to take root and that all who knew her help to keep hope alive by feeding it, passing it on to
others and reminding others that anything is possible if only we believe.
