Judith "Judy" Marie Farrell

Judith Marie Farrell, 86, of Marion, Iowa died on March 31 surrounded by the love of her family. The family will greet friends at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Funeral services will begin at 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion, followed by a luncheon. Committal services will be held at 2:30 p.m. at St. Patrick Cemetery in Delmar, Iowa.

Judy was born August 20, 1939 in Maquoketa, Iowa the daughter of J.A. (Tad) and Marie (Foster) Farrell. She was raised on the family farm in Delmar, Iowa and she never outgrew the love of the farm. She graduated from Delmar High School and was married to Donald Ketelsen in 1956 (later divorced). Judith was employed by A.C. Nielsen Clearing House, a division of Dunn and Bradstreet, where she advanced through hard work and a tenacious drive, to the position of Manager of Fraud Control. Judy was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Judy’s Iowa roots instilled in her a lifelong love of the Hawkeyes, especially women’s basketball and football. She was always willing to share her unique talents by singing in the choir and tending to the gardens at St. Joseph Church. Judy was a gifted seamstress and an avid reader, both constants in her life. She was famous for her homemade fudge and lemon pie that became a sweet way of sharing her love with others. She wholeheartedly followed the pursuits of her grandchildren whether it was sports, performing, education, or career. Her grand and great grandchildren were the love of her life and gave her great pride and joy.

Judy is survived by her son, Kevin (Dianna) Ketelsen of Bryant, and daughters Kathleen (Thomas) Bice of Marion, Karen (Robert) Ravenscroft of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandchildren, Andrew (Samantha) Ketelsen, Alan (Dee) Ketelsen, Cally (Brad) Murray, Emma (Nate Demmy), Paige Ravenscroft; 11 great grandchildren; sister, Mary (Ed) Noel, sister-in-law, LuAnn Farrell.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Kenny, Donny, Jerry, Pat, Mike, and infant Aloysius. Also, sisters-in-law Patsey, Jan, Mary, and brother-in-law Craig Simmons, and grandson Adam Ketelsen.

Our family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff at Terrace Glen Village, Emery Place, and UnityPoint Hospice. Thank you for not only providing exceptional care but for truly embracing Judy’s spicy personality. You treated her with the utmost dignity and respect.

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter or St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marion Iowa.