Judy Lynn Schell was born March 15, 1950, in Rugby, ND to William “Bill” and Agnes (Johnson) Swearson. She passed away at the age of 73 on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Souris Valley Care Center in Velva, ND surrounded by loving family.

Her childhood was never dull growing up with 12 of her siblings on the farm southwest of Towner, ND along the mighty Mouse River. She attended school at Towner Public School.

She was united in marriage to Fred Schell in 1966 and together they raised 3 children, Peary, Quentin and Stacey on the farm near Towner. They later divorced. Judy along with Stacey, who was just starting high school, moved to Bismarck where Judy obtained her GED and a Business degree all while starting her restaurant career working at The Village Inn/International Restaurant earning $3.35 per hour. Times were not easy, but with her desire to become a business owner, the opportunity arose to return to Towner a few short years later to become the proud owner of the Pizza Peddler. It was known for the best pizza and sub-sandwiches you could find. Several years later with Judy’s determination and a lot of community support she started the Ranch House Restaurant across the street. Here she specialized in home-style cooked meals, delicious burgers made with fresh baked buns and again the famous subs. She dedicated a lot of time and energy to her businesses and providing the community with delicious home style cooking. After selling the restaurant in 1999 she went to work for the US Postal Service as a rural mail carrier out of Willow City and also the Towner State Nursery until retiring in 2017 due to health reasons.

Over the last decade, her home-cooked meals are what her family missed most! She loved cooking for holidays and late at night when her grandchildren decided to “crash” at grandmas for the night instead of facing the tough conversations of “what have you been doing all night?” with their parents, most. Knowing that her favorite times of the year were holidays, especially Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, as a family, we will cherish these times of the year most.

Judy was an independent, hard-working, genuine, and incredibly strong woman. She did whatever she had to do to make sure her family had what they needed to survive and succeed. Cheering her family on in life and telling others about them brought the biggest smile to her face. She had a contagious smile and sense of humor. She enjoyed sharing her witty jokes, whether it was one she came across or made up on her own. Storytelling was her passion and often led to stories about her own childhood, her children, her grandchildren, and even the memorable times with their couple friends earlier in life that transitioned into her “lake” friends later. It wasn’t uncommon for these stories to make you laugh so hard you had tears in your eyes by the end.

She was a very PROUD mom, grandma and great-grandma. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly. She has spent many hours traveling to their ball games, school activities, family events and much more. If her health would have allowed she would still be seen at all these events. She was always mindful of others’ insecurities and would take the time to build others' confidence, especially her family, by telling them how strong, smart, and capable they are.

In her freetime she spent countless hours perfecting her garden and flowerbeds. There was always a puzzle in progress and she spent a lot of time playing pinochle and/or board games with family and friends. She was dedicated to various groups and organizations throughout the community. Some of those groups and organizations include the Jayceettes’s, Homemaker’s Club, 4-H Leader, Womens Bowling League, and served in several capacities at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church as choir member, Christian Mothers, religious education teacher, circle chairman.

She is survived by her children, Peary (LeeAnn) Schell, Westhope and Stacey (Randy) Schmitt, Towner; grandchildren, Danielle (Chase) Holsten, Sloan Lawrence, Hadlee (Dustin) Brandt, Mattie Schmitt, Logan (Candy) Kitzman, Reese (Paige) Schell, Lane (Brandie Christians) Schmitt, Grace (Eddie Swartzentruber) Schmitt, and Ty Schmitt; great-grandchildren, Leni, Indy and Mack Holsten, Blayklee, August, Olee, and Ardee Brandt, Bennett Schell, Rowyn Swartzentruber, and Canton, Kenlee and Crady Christians; sisters, Jane Gunter, Metta (Frank) Schell, Mary (Jim) Thom, Amy (Brad) Hofmann, Dina (Kent) Ness; brothers, Carl (Georgie), Todd (Christianne), Tim (Karen), David (Marcie) Swearson; aunt, Ellen (Swearson) Cole and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Judy was welcomed into heaven with open arms by her son Quentin Schell, her parents; brothers, Billy, John, Duane, and Dwight (in infancy), and brother-in-law: Larry Gunter.

Mass of Chrisitan burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2024 at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Towner with burial in the church cemetery. Father Michael Schommer, Celebrant

Visitation will be on Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with rosary, prayer service and sharing of memories beginning at 7:00 p.m. at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Towner. Visitation will continue on Saturday for one hour prior to the time of services.

Casket Bearers are Judy’s beloved grandchildren including: Danielle Holsten, Sloan Lawrence, Hadlee Brandt, Mattie Schmitt, Logan Kitzman, Reese Schell, Lane Schmitt, Grace Schmitt, and Ty Schmitt.

In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church or Cemetery in Towner, Towner or Velva Ambulance services, or Souris Valley Care Center in Velva.