Judith Lorine Birkes, 82, of Sioux City, IA, passed away unexpectedly November 8, 2023, at a local hospital.  A memorial service will be held Monday, November 13, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service.  Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.

Judi was born on March 11, 1941, in Sioux City, IA to George and Edithe (Bunch) Peters.  She was united in marriage to the love of her life, James Birkes on January 7, 1961, and shared over 50 years of marriage.  Judi was a loving wife and mother who loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and sisters.  She worked in the lunchroom at North High School for many years.  She enjoyed playing slots, cards, bingo, bowling, traveling and sitting by the pool.  Judi liked to keep busy and was always on the go, she would often say “I’m not letting any grass grow under my feet.”

Those left to honor her memory include her daughter, Shelley (Bob) Erwin; daughter-in-law, Jackie Birkes; grandchildren: Andy (Victoria) Erwin, Alex (Claire) Erwin, Samantha (Quentin) Birkes, Dustin Birkes, and Conner Birkes, Evan Birkes, and Katy Lynch; great-grandchildren: Peyton, Aliera and Wylie Erwin, Scarlett, Forest and Sage Erwin, Rose, Millie and Grace Lynch; siblings: John Peters, Jacky Dewall, Jerri Morgan, Dick Peters, Mike Peters, Ginger Waldschmidt, Sandy Peters; and numerous nieces and nephews; honorary son, Bob Espinoza; and best friend, Barb Treglia.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, James; 2 sons, Jim Jr. and Randy Birkes; sister, Jean; brothers: Butch, Bill and Joe; granddaughter, Rylee Erwin; and great-granddaughter, Avery Lynch.