On May 6, 2025, the world lost a kind and loving soul, Judith Ketola MacDougall. She died peacefully of old age with her daughter Janet and hospice nurse Julie by her side at LifeCare Center of Evergreen.
Born in Virginia, Minnesota, on July 24, 1937, Judith or “Jude” as she was fondly known to many, was truly a special gal.
Upon leaving her hometown of Virginia, Judith headed for Hudson’s Hope, British Columbia, Canada, where she met and married John MacDougall. Their travels took them to Uranium City, Saskatchewan, Edmonton, Alberta, and Goldendale, Washington before eventually settling in Eldora, Colorado in 1971.
Jude adapted well to mountain living. Early on she loved exploring the mountains around Eldora, collecting relics from old mining claims and getting to know all of the summer residents. Jude’s knowledge of the Colorado wildflowers, plants and birds was impressive.
From her early childhood Jude had a special respect and admiration for the Native American people and their culture. This carried on throughout her life as her creations, collections, books, and art were all a direct reflection of this.
Jude lived the last years of her life in Nederland at the Prime Haven Senior Housing where she enjoyed a closeknit community and many friends. Attending her beloved Nederland Community Presbyterian Church, participating in the Nederland Area Seniors group and volunteering at the Mountain Forum for Peace yard sale and the food pantry were some of the many things that enriched her life.
She and her longtime friend Bette Ventrella had so much fun running the Palette Art Gallery where they would sell their watercolors and jewelry along with the works of many other local artists.
Jude cherished spending time with her family and adored her many grandchildren. She had a knack for remembering every detail of her life experiences and loved to tell stories. She would often make beautiful necklaces that she would give to special people that she encountered along the way.
Preceding Judith in death are her parents Margaret and Lester Ketola, siblings Johnny Ketola, Joseph Ketola and Mary Jess (Ketola) and daughter Lisa MacDougall.
She is survived by daughters Janet MacDougall (David Patterson) and Stephani Silva, nine grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren, nieces Justine and Nicole, and nephew Skylar.
A celebration of life will be held at the Nederland Community Presbyterian Church on Sunday, June 22 at 12 p.m.
