CASPER- Judith “Judi” Ann Anderson, 75, passed away from COVID-19 on December 7th, 2020 at Wyoming Medical Center. She passed away one day before her 76th birthday. Judi received more than 120 birthday cards, which shows how many people she impacted in her life.
She was born December 8th, 1944 in Casper to Opal and George Bussey. She graduated from NCHS in 1963 where she was active in the Thespians. Judi attended and graduated from Casper College in 1965, performing in every play during her tenure. One of her heroes and mentors was John F. Welsh, who is the namesake of the auditorium at NCHS.
She decided to test her wings and left Casper for Los Angeles in 1965 with a group of like-minded girlfriends. She enrolled in classes at Long Beach State and proceeded to get a job as a roller-skating parts deliverer at McDonald-Douglas. She met Douglas Atnip in Long Beach and they were married in Las Vegas in 1966. They had 2 children, DesaRae Atnip Janszen (Jeff), and Stuart (Brandi). They moved to Casper in 1977 and divorced shortly after.
Judi met Tom Anderson through mutual friends and hit it off at the original Beacon Club. They were married on the beautiful day of September 12th, 1981 at the Mosteller Ranch. Tom was the love of her life, showing unwavering love, care and attention. They laughed and loved every day complimenting each other everywhere they went. They had one child, Samantha (Jared), who has always been very close and dedicated to her parents.
Judi was known for her love of lighthouses, colorful coifs (often sporting a multi-colored hair-do) and bingo. She loved all animals and children and was often offering “warm cuddles” to her grandchildren and any other children (or animals) in her presence. She was known as “Mama 2” or “Mama Judi” to many of her children’s friends. She was always willing to listen and offer support to anyone who wanted to talk to her, especially teenagers. She provided comfort, love and supportive words to many who needed it.
She began her professional career selling advertising at the Casper Star-Tribune and Antique Motor News. She broke away to start Anderson and Black Advertising Agency. The company was known for their outstanding planning, coordination and creativity with strategic campaigns such as the Casper Centennial in 1990, many years of the Wyoming State Games and numerous successful political campaigns.
In approximately 1996 she made the decision to switch her career to real estate, following in her father’s footsteps. She was known for making personal connections with her clients, oftentimes staying close, personal friends long after the real estate transaction was completed. After she retired, she very much enjoyed a part-time job helping people and giving them real estate advice at the Broker-One Kiosk at the Eastridge Mall.
“Retirement” was busy for Judi, as she kept another part-time job coordinating buses to Wind River Casino. During this time, she made a whole new batch of life-long friends, as was her modus-operandi. She never met a stranger – but some were stranger than others.
Tom and Judi were active at the Casper Country Club, where Judi arranged the weekly Couples Bridge game nights for more than 15 years. She would call each couple each week to verify they were “in” for Bridge, almost never letting Tom call because she wanted to talk to everyone.
In May 2009, Judi starred as “Sis” in Stage III’s critically-acclaimed production of “The Queen of Bingo.” It was a fun, interactive show during which the audience got to play bingo too. Not only was she a great actress, but the part was apropos to her real life role as the Queen of Bingo. An avid bingo player around Casper and anywhere she traveled, she always insisted that she was “up.” According to her, she never lost money, and all of the Bingo players were her friends.
Her oldest daughter, DesaRae, joined the Coast Guard in 1990, and Judi thoroughly enjoyed visiting DesaRae, DesaRae’s husband Jeff, and their four children at different stations during her 25 years of active duty. Judi proclaimed that her favorite place to visit was Key West, where she loved to go parasailing, go on boat trips and swim with the dolphins.
She was so very excited when her son Stuart was recognized as a Wyoming “40 under 40” for his career achievements and community involvement. As the owner of American Title Agency, Stu participates on many local boards in the community. His wife Brandi and two children were loved deeply by Judi.
Her youngest daughter Samantha was in the medical field for 15 years, recently following in her mom’s footsteps with a career in advertising. Samantha was devoted to helping her with everything from day-to-day chores to assisting her with her healthcare needs. She inherited the best parts of Judi’s warm and caring personality and is known for her kindness and generosity towards everyone she meets.
Judi was a bright shining star, sharing her infectious smile and laugh with all she came in contact with. She embraced everyone with love, laughter and hugs. Her outgoing and spontaneous love for adventure would make everyone want to join in on the Judi adventures.
Judi was on the boards of Big Brothers/Big Sisters and The Girl’s Incorporated. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to those organizations.
Judi is survived by; her husband Tom of Casper, WY. Daughter DesaRae (Jeff) Janszen of Tampa Bay, FL. Grandchildren Christy, Jimmy, Sydney, and Cody. Son Stuart (Brandi) Atnip of Casper, WY. Grandchildren Dallen and Ellise. Daughter Samantha (Jared) Anderson of Casper, WY. Brother Michael (Beverly) Bussey of Grand Junction, CO. Sister Patricia (Jim) McClung of Mission Viejo, CA. In-laws Dr. James & Cody Anderson of Casper, WY, Janet Anderson of Cheyenne, WY. And numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Judi was preceded in death by her parents; George and Opal Bussey and brother Mark Bussey.
The family would like to thank the outstanding doctors, nurses and care teams at Wyoming Medical Center for their heroic efforts to save their dear Judi. Coronavirus strikes with such cruelty, and they extend their deepest gratitude to the entire medical community.
Services will be held at a later date, Judi would want all to celebrate her life with joy and health.
