JULIA ANN (JUDY) HOOD

Judy peacefully and joyfully entered Heaven January 23, 2025, at 1:16 p.m. Judy Hood, also known as “Grandma Judy” and “Mother” was born the middle of three girls on December 3, 1931; to Nelson and Mildred (Hartley) Garinger.
Judy attended Concord School and graduated from Mt. Vernon High School. Her family attended Summit Baptist Church where she met the love of her life, Ralph Hood. They dated then married on her 18th birthday, December 3, 1949, he was 20. They settled on their homestead just off Highway 96 near “The Big House” Ralph’s family’s farm, together raising five incredible children while operating a successful farming operation for 53 years.
Grandma Judy has five patriots between her mother’s and father’s side (Edward Douglass, William Moore, Godfrey Stout, Jeremiah Green, Elijah Evans) who fought in the Revolutionary War. Resiliency and the ability to forge through hardships was in her blood. While raising five children on the farm, her example helped to train not only her children but also helped to shape her seven grandchildren. Her legacy and gifts of grace and candor have been passed through her seven grandchildren down to her 22 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
On her 93rd birthday I sat with her and asked her a question. “Grandma, in all your years what is the most important thing in your life. What are the most important lessons learned you would like to pass down?” She said, “All I ever wanted to do was raise a family with Ralph and serve the Lord.” She had a heart for serving and helping others. Teaching special education in Miller and serving at Summit Baptist Church including visiting many residences. She loved her family and enjoyed our chaotic holidays on the farm. Her soft hands, bright blue eyes and infectious laugh will be greatly missed.
Judy is survived by her five children: Jane Hood of Springfield, Missouri, Steve and wife Pattie Hood of Springfield, Missouri, Sheryl Hood of Miller, Missouri, Phillip Hood of Mt. Vernon, Missouri and John Hood of Miller, Missouri; seven grandchildren: Tricia Stenger (Zack), Bryan C. Hood (Jill), Rachel Schaaf (Jason), Sherilyn Squibb (Rob), Elizabeth Sonora (Chris), Brandon Hood (Michelle) and Sarina Hood; 22 great-grandchildren: Jackson, Grace, Grant, Lauren, Kate, Kyndall, Mason, Weston, Colton, William, Caroline, Jay, Addy, Bryce, Blayne, Gavin, Emma, Jackson, Jadon, James, Johnathan and Jacob; two great-great-grandchildren, Brooks and Lydia; one brother-in-law, three sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Nelson, and Mildred Garinger; husband, Ralph Hood; two sisters, Mary Sue (Paul) Williams and Martha (Kenneth) Boyd and daughter-in-law, JoAnn Hood.
A funeral service under the direction of Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon was held on Monday, January 27, 2025, at the Summit Baptist Church. Judy was laid to rest next to Ralph at Sycamore Cemetery in Miller, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Summit Baptist Church or Sycamore Cemetery in memory of Judy Hood.
Online condolences may be shared at www.FossettMosherFuneralHome.com.