Judith Ann Gabbitas Kjar

Judith Ann Gabbitas Kjar passed away peacefully on a beautiful Sunday morning, August 10, 2025, at 11:55 a.m. at the age of 84. After a short seven-month separation, she is now reunited with her eternal companion, Bruce.

Judy was born on March 27, 1941, in Bakersfield, California, to Della Lunt Gabbitas and Porty Lewis Gabbitas. When she was just nine months old, the family moved to Bountiful, Utah, where Judy spent her childhood with her five siblings: Gordon “Chip” (Miriam), Ivy Joan (Franks), Larry (Carolyn), Judy (Bruce), and Ted (Sandy). She was the last living sibling, preceded in death by all but her two sisters-in-law, Sandy and Carolyn.

Judy graduated from Bountiful High School, where her favorite class—speech with Mrs. Gill—helped her find her voice and confidence, qualities that would define her throughout her life. After graduation, she landed a job as an elevator operator at ZCMI in Salt Lake City, a position known for its style and grace. Each week, her hair was done in the store’s salon, and she wore the fashionable clothing that ZCMI provided to its “fashion girls.”

It was there she met Bruce Kjar. After a brief elevator ride and a lunchroom conversation, Bruce offered her a ride home—and never stopped showing up for her after that. They dated through the summer, and even when Judy started at BYU, Bruce would drive her down to Provo on Sundays and pick her up on Fridays. Their courtship continued and they were married on June 23, 1960, in the Salt Lake Temple.

They eventually settled in Woods Cross, Utah, in the home where they would love and raise their eight children: Terrie Lynn (Kevin Mitchell), Kevin Bruce, Lisa, Wendy (Clark Harms), Amy (Doug Stone), Robert Brad (Shellee Porter), Louis Matthew (Lindsay Harris), and Brandon Ronald Kjar. Their home was more than a house; it was a gathering place filled with laughter and fun. Often hosting get-togethers, and sometimes sleepovers that often included the favorite aebelskivers. For many it was a refuge of peace and unconditional love for family, friends, and extra people they welcomed in along the way.

Cousin Chrissy Franks (Dylan Young) was one of those who Judy and the family loved and welcomed in and always included her as a part of the family. Judy enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She took great effort to notice and support each individual and make them feel special, attending as many sporting events, performances, and life events as possible. Many grandchildren fondly remember her making them grilled cheese sandwiches or other favorite foods. Each grandchild looked forward to their special birthday outing with just them and grandma. Grandma celebrated many traditions and reasons to bring the family together creating strong family bonds. Over the years she has lovingly welcomed in 32 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

When her children were all in school, Judy felt inspired to support her community. She poured her time and energy into community service and youth advocacy. She served in leadership roles in the PTA and was Executive Director of the Utah Federation for Drug-Free Youth, organizing Red Ribbon Week across Davis County schools. She coordinated health screenings, helped implement school-wide programs like Sex-Respect, and worked with organizations to address the needs of families in Davis County. Judy was known as the “quiet force” behind big efforts—steady, dependable, and all-in. In 2001, she and Bruce received the Governor’s Silver Bowl Award for exemplary volunteer service. But Judy often said the real victory was her personal growth—overcoming her fear of phone calls and public speaking to one day confidently lead workshops, advocate with government leaders, and speak to large crowds.

Judy also loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and gave her heart to a lifetime of service. She served continually whether as Relief Society President, Stake Young Women’s President, and teaching and sharing the gospel in many capacities. She supported Bruce in his love for gathering people around good food which led to a Dutch oven catering business at This Is the Place Heritage Park. This prepared them financially to fulfill their lifelong dream of serving a full-time mission together. They catered their last dinner on a Saturday, gave their farewell on Sunday, entered the MTC on Monday, and departed soon after for Denmark. Judy loved her mission serving God and the Danish people, she even learned to share her testimony in Danish.

Judy was reluctant to leave her home of nearly 60 years but quickly grew to love her new home at Barton Creek assisted living. She and Bruce joined their new community making friends and sharing their love with others. Despite her advancing dementia, she always had a smile and kind word for other residents and those caring for her. Their contribution made Judy feel comfortable and at peace at Barton Creek.

Judy once said the legacy she hoped to leave was her testimony of God and her love for others. Her sister Ivy wrote of her:

“She worked hard to overcome her weaknesses and to be a good example. She made God the center of her life and followed the paths He led her to. She believed deeply in life after death, which gave her hope.”

That hope—and that love—defined Judy’s life. She will be remembered for her quiet strength, her generous spirit, and the deep, steady influence she had on everyone lucky enough to know her.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Woods Cross 8th Ward, 1450 South 350 West, Bountiful, Utah. An evening viewing will take place from 6:00–8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main Street, Bountiful, Utah. A morning viewing will be held from 9:00–10:15 a.m. Saturday at the church prior to services.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will be posted below.