Judith A. Bean

GRANGEVILLE: Judith Ann "Judy" Bean, age 88 passed quietly Sunday October 1st, 2023 with her husband of 53 years, Marshall Bean at her bedside. A woman of many interests and talents, Judy and Marshall have lived in the Harpster home they bought when they moved from California in 1974 and named their little homestead "Bean Patch".

Born in St.Paul Minnesota in 1935, Judy was one of six children, three girls and three boys and leaves only one surviving sister, Joyce. Moving to Auburn, CA in her teens Judy graduated high school and was active in local youth clubs coaching softball and organizing a youth NRA rifle club. It was there she met Marshall and both enjoying outdoor activities like hunting and fishing, they decided to explore and finally move to the Grangeville/Harpster area in 1974.

Together they enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping often with their two horses and two large pack mules as she photographed and they explored the vast north-central Idaho wilderness. When Marshall worked in Lewiston during the week, Judy would often alone, or accompanied by her best friend Evonne, hike and scour the mountains searching for, finding and packing out racks of deer and elk horns. Judy loved organizing jet boat trips for friends and family where she took pictures and studied the early settlers history of living in these remote locations. With photography becoming a greater passion, Judy took on the role of Rodeo Photographer for Grangeville and Clearwater regional events.

Late into her years she could name rodeo riders who she had pictured when they were still teenagers. Many of her photos have been published in Idaho county publications and brochures. A book with a generous selection of photographs was written by Judy Bean titled "Living the Good Life in Central Idaho" and she also published a childrens book featuring costumed pictures of their beloved Manx cat Percy. In more recent years Judy cultivated her vast Iris garden and sold her bulbs at flea markets where she became known as the "Iris Lady". Several of her Iris' won awards for their rich colors and diversity. Judy Bean spent most of her adult life outdoors and enjoying the bounty of Idaho country living. She will be fondly remembered and missed by those who knew and loved her.

Judy is survived by her devoted husband Marshall Bean, her three children Jackie, Janet and Buck as well as her four step-children Marilyn, Mike, Bob and Linda and her sister Joyce.

Blackmer Funeral Home of Grangeville will host a viewing on October 17, 4 -7:00pm.  Graveside services will be held on October 18 at 11:00 am at Prairie View Cemetery.

Flowers can be arranged thru Flora and Fronds and any cards and rememberances can be sent to Marshall Bean, c/o Grangeville Health and Rehabilitation Center, 410N East 2nd Street, Grangeville, ID 83530. 

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