Judith O. Knode

Judith O. Knode, age 93, passed on Thursday, February 19th at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Judy graduated from the Visitation School, Stephen’s College in Columbia, Missouri and St. Catharine’s College in St. Paul, Mn. 

After earning a degree in Elementary Education, she simultaneously applied for a teaching position in San Diego, CA and a flight attendant for Northwest Airlines, promising herself that she would accept whichever job accepted her first. She then flew with Northwest for two years, a highlight being dancing down the aisle handing out complimentary mini’s of liquor & cigarette four packs to one of the passengers—legendary jazzman Cab Calloway. Certainly, another highlight during her flying time was meeting her future husband, Ralph Knode. 

After a few years living in Philadelphia, Judy and Ralph began their great adventure of moving from Philadelphia to living on the Lazy Crazy Eight Ranch in Sheridan Wyoming where they spent the next 63 years raising their three children and becoming deeply invested in community & church.

Predeceased by her parents, father, Eugene Marcus O’Neill and mother Helen McGrath O’Neill, husband Ralph Knode and sister Jeanne O’Neill Sprafka.

Survived by her children, Ralph Knode III (April), Tracy Hamil (Bill) and Marc Knode. Her adored grandchildren, Tucker (Brooke), Brett (Cory), Cody and great-grandchildren Mitchell, Kenadee, Liam and McKenna.

Memorial Services will be on Thursday, February 26, 2026, with the Rosary at 10:00 am followed by Mass at 10:30.  Services will be held at Holy Name Catholic Church in Sheridan, WY.

In fitting farewell, and with her indomitable optimism, she declared as she was being wheeled into surgery for hip replacement “If I don’t make it, nobody should be sad, I have had a wonderful life!”  And with a final wave of her hand, she was off.

Memorials may be made to CASA Franciscana Outreach, PO Box 15576 Scottsdale, AZ  85267 or CasaFranciscanaOutreach.org or Holy Name Catholic School, 121 South Connor, Sheridan, WY,  82801. Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.