Judy Rawls Rech

Judy Rawls Rech, age 69 of Diamondhead, MS, went to heaven on 10/27/2012 surrounded by her love ones following a battle with cancer.
Judy was born in Philadelphia, MS on September 15, 1943 and grew up in Poplarville, MS. Graduated from Poplarville High School in 1961, where she was a cheerleader and was a member of the PRC String of Pearl dancers. She graduated from SMU obtaining a Bachelor Degree in 1965 and received her Master in Business Degree from University of Utah in 1988. Her career started in 1980 as a software programmer for a number of companies and was later hired by the IBM Corporation in California in 1984 for a marketing position where she continued until her retirement in 2004. She and her husband retired to Diamondhead, MS in 2001 to enjoy the Gulf Coast and for her to be close to her father.
Judy was a member for 40 years of the PEO sisterhood, a philanthropic education organization that assists women in completing their educational goals. She held may positions in local chapters over the years that included the position of President of the Mississippi State PEO Organization in 2009. She also served in many Diamondhead organizations including Diamondhead Performing Arts, Diamondhead Continuing Education, Diamondhead Childrens Summer Program and a member of the Diamondhead United Methodist Church Board of Supervisors. She loved to read, play bridge and was an animal lover, especially her two bichon dogs. She was a true inspiration, and the most courageous fighter, even in her final moments. She inspired and touched everyone she met. She was an extraordinary wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She showed us all how to love, how to be compassionate and how we all should live our lives.
She was preceded in death by her mother Eleanor Castle Rawls and her grandparents. Judy's memories will be cherished by her loving husband Ronald L. Rech, father Thomas A. Rawls, sister Jane Rawls Hufft and husband Louis Hufft, son Timothy Kilby, daughter Michelle Keele and husband Jeff Keele and grandson Ethan Guerin Keele, son Bryan Kilby and a host of family and great friends.
A visitation for family and friends will be held November 14th, 2012 from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.at the Diamondhead United Methodist Church, 5305 Noma Drive, Diamondhead, MS, followed by a celebration of life service. Interment will be held at a later date in Sedona, AZ.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations to any of the following: PEO-PCE, Hancock County Animal Shelter or Southeast Cancer Research Fund.
Arrangements by RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Kiln DeLisle Road. Tributes may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com.