Judith Ann Andrews

Judith Ann Andrews was born April 29, 1941, in Sioux City to Joseph and Nina Williams. She was welcomed home by three brothers and two sisters. The family later moved to Belle Plaine, where she remained until she graduated from high school. Judith married Jay Moore in 1960 and to that union four children were born: Stephen, Christine, Theresea and Elizabeth. Jay’s work as a baker at the Eldora Training School brought the family to Eldora, in 1965.

Judith began working for Dr. Robert F. Shirley as an on the job training dental assistant while also taking a 104-hour correspondence course for the job. She and Jay later divorced, and Judith was determined not to go on the welfare system. So, in addition to working full-time, being involved in church and school activities, as well as Cub Scouts and Brownies, she decided to continue her education in dental assisting at DMACC. One night a week she would load the kids in the car, pack a picnic and head to Des Moines. It was then she discovered how important education was to the safety and welfare of the patient. Over the years Judith was very active in the local, state (IDAA Iowa Dental Assistance Association) and national (ADAA American Dental Assistance Association) chapters of the dental assistant associations, serving in virtually every office including in November 1992 she was installed as the president of the ADAA representing the United States and Guam. During her term as president, she helped found the ADAA foundation promoting education for dental assistance. This foundation provided scholarships for students seeking education for a career in dental assisting. Judith also became more involved with all 50 states in helping to promote dental assisting.

In 1970 Judith married David Andrews, who at the time was the father of three more children: Eugene, Bev, and Steve. They made their home in rural Wellsburg, and in 1972 Timothy was born to the family, increasing the family to 10. With a new baby and the blending of the 2 families, it was decided that it would be best for everyone if Judith became a stay-at-home mom until Tim, was school age. When Judith returned to work it was once again for Dr. Shirley. During these years, the family also worked together walking beans for local farmers and detasseling and sorting corn for the local seed company. They also enjoyed spending a couple of weeks at a time camping at the local state park (Pine Lake) where they would fish and swim during the summer months and going to Worlds of Fun in Kansas City would be family vacation.

In 1986, with only 1 child now at home, the family decided it was time to sell their acreage and moved to Eldora, Iowa. Judith continued to work for Dr. Shirley until his retirement in October 2008 for a total of 39 years. Wanting to still help others, she decided to become a CNA and worked in the Hubbard Care Center until 2015 when she had to quit due to health reasons.

Judith enjoyed helping at her church, St. Mary’s Catholic, where she also became a liturgical minister, cooking, gardening and being with family.

Preceded in death by her husband: David Andrews, Son: Eugene/Linda Andrews, Daughter: Elizabeth/Mike Murphy, her parents, Sister: Joanne Matzon, Brothers: Jay C Williams, and William Joseph Williams.

Survived by: Sister: Jacque Lee Dodge, Brother: Jack Williams, Daughters: Bev Lawless, Christine/Larry Healy and Theresea/Joe Jacobsen, Sons: Steve/Deb Andrews, Stephen Moore and Tim/Tonya Andrews as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be 11 a.m. on April 11, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Eldora.