Judith Davenport McDonald Fordham passed away gracefully and peacefully in her home in Nampa, Idaho surrounded by her family, at 8:45pm on Thursday, October 17, 2019. Judith was born June 13, 1940 in Portland, Oregon to Edward Earl McDonald and Phyllis Franzen Davenport McDonald. She attended grade school, junior high and high school in Portland. The family moved to McCammon, Idaho for a 5-year stint. Judith often spoke of fond memories of her time there especially of their protective dog Tuffy and driving the tractor at the young age of five. After high school, Judith worked at Grayson's department store. About 1961 Edward and Phyllis moved to Eugene, Oregon due to Phyllis' health and Judith moved with them to help take care of her mother. In Eugene, Judith took a job working at the University of Oregon as a secretary to the Dean of the School of Journalism. It was while she was working at the University that she met Jack Fremont Fordham in 1962. Jack's life, including military service, took him all over the world. Jack would take Judith out on dates when he was home visiting his parents and they kept in contact via letters. After 10 years of dating off and on, consistent correspondence, and a rumor of other men proposing marriage, he wrote Judith a letter and said he didn't want to ask this in a letter but how would she like to be a June bride? They were married in the Logan, Utah temple on January 10, 1972. Shortly after, they were transferred to Germany for Jack's job with Red Cross. This was only the beginning of the many adventures they experienced as a family and the many places they lived. While in Germany, their son Addison was born. Eight months after his birth they moved back to the United States. Three years later, Bradley joined their family. In 12 years, they moved 9 times with a year long stint of Jack being in Korea and Judith living in Oregon with the boys. After many adventures, they decided it was time to retire from the Red Cross and settle down in one place for longer than a couple of years. Jack got a job with the District Attorney's office for the county of Monterey, California in the Aid for Families with Dependent Children department. Judith started working as a legal secretary for a private law firm and after about 10 years changed jobs and started working for the county in probation. She retired in 2000. In 1999, Jack passed away from pancreatic cancer. In 2000, the family moved to Missoula, Montana and in 2004 Judith moved to Nampa, Idaho. Judith was preceded in death by a stillborn daughter; her husband Jack; parents Edward and Phyllis; sisters-in-law Lorraine and Elaine; brothers-in-law George and Kenneth; nephew Ted; and many grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She leaves behind her sons Addison (Lisa) and Bradley (Allison); granddaughters: Ari (Jaden), Brenna, and Annike; brother Ed (Patsy); nieces: Moyne (Steve), Julie (Matt), Kathy (William), and Debbie; nephews John, Mike (Shari), Brian (Katharine), Chris (Mary), and Brian; and many cousins, great nieces and nephews. Judith was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had unwavering faith and a strong testimony of her Savior. She was an example to all who knew her as a true disciple of Christ. She had a love for music and sang beautifully, often participating in the church choir, if not directing the choir. Judith was also an avid genealogist, leaving a wealth of family history information behind for her posterity. She loved painting, cooking, and crafts, and enjoyed making things for her family and home. Judith was a lady through and through. She treasured life and devoted hers to her family. She will be laid to rest with her husband at the San Joaquin National Cemetery in California.
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