Judy Ann (Champlin) Borsheim was called home by our Lord and Savior on May 28, 2026, in Kennewick, Washington, after a short illness. She will be dearly missed by family and friends who cherished her sunny outlook, welcoming disposition, and infectious laughter.

Judy was born on September 29, 1937, in Waco, Texas, and moved regularly around the West as her family followed the road construction work of her father until the family settled in Kennewick during the WWII era. Judy graduated as salutatorian of the Kennewick High School Class of 1955. She went on to become part of the first graduating class of Washington State University, formerly Washington State College, earning a BA in Elementary Education in 1959.

She married George Borsheim, valedictorian of Kennewick High School's class of 1955, and started their brainy little family, raising three children. She later earned a Master's degree in Education from Eastern Washington University.

Judy taught at Eastgate Elementary School in Kennewick and later continued serving students as a substitute teacher. She also worked at the department store Profitt's for a time selling appliances. George's work moved the family between nuclear sites for many years, including Oak Ridge, TN, and Idaho Falls, ID, where she integrated herself into the local Lutheran churches and Beta Sigma Phi sorority chapters.

A member of First Lutheran Church of Kennewick since 1963, Judy was an active in many service roles over the years including: Church Council member, Secretary, and Vice President; Vacation Bible School Coordinator; and Sunday School Superintendent, as well as teaching classes. Her most enduring role was that of Church Librarian for many years, a direction she felt truly called to. She also held leadership roles in the Pacific Northwest Association of Church Libraries during that time, including President.

Judy was a devoted member of the social sorority Beta Sigma Phi for more than 60 years, most recently serving as the chapter's Parliamentarian and hosting a chapter meeting in January of this year. Over the years, she chaired many events, served as president and other offices, was elected their Sweetheart Queen, and donated generously to their charitable endeavors.

A gifted seamstress, Judy created clothes for her children, including many dance costumes and formal dresses. She read voraciously, enjoyed music, was endlessly curious, and liked to try new things including belly dancing classes and autoharp lessons. She also enjoyed travelling with her daughter and granddaughter including a wonderful trip to Maui in 2019 that featured a helicopter tour.

In her later years, she admirably took the opportunity to read, learn, and examine many cultural and faith issues, and found herself evolving toward more open-minded values than the era in which she was raised, aligning perfectly with her generous spirit.

Judy was preceded in death by her mother, Julia (Figel) Champlin; her father, Herbert Champlin Sr.; her husband, George Borsheim; and most recently her son, Eric Borsheim.

She is survived by her son, Mike Borsheim; daughter, Cynthia Borsheim; granddaughter, Charlotte Underwood; brother, Herb Champlin; sisters-in-law, Cheryl Champlin and Sandy Borsheim; nieces, Bridgett Borsheim, Becky Borsheim, Donna Nice, and Amy Kendal; and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews.

All are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, July 11, at 1pm at Kennewick First Lutheran Church (418 N. Yelm Street in Kennewick), with a celebration of life immediately following in the church fellowship hall.

If you would like to make a donation in her honor, Judy supported the following charities:

Kidney Cancer Association, American Heart Association, St. Judes Hospital, Tri-Cities Food Bank, and Shriners Hospital Spokane.