Judith Helene Bosworth died on February 6th, 2026 in her home of 47 years, surrounded by beloved family and friends. Judith was born to Arthur and Anita Kinkel on September 1, 1939 in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, in the final years of the Great Depression. She had one sibling, her brother Neil. Judith studied for 2 years at Concordia College, in Minneapolis, and went on to graduate from River Forest Concordia University in Chicago in 1961. She taught in Philadelphia for 2 years and then continued with focused Studio Arts education at the University of Colorado. In Denver Judith would become a grade school teacher, with the Arvada Lutheran Church School.

Judith married Jim Fielgel, Assistant Pastor at the church where she attended Sunday services. With Jim, she had two children, Micheal and Brian. Two years after they were born, Jim passed due to health issues, leaving her to raise Micheal and Brian on her own. Judith moved to St. Louis in 1970, where she was able to purchase a house in the suburbs. While in St. Louis she applied at Missouri Baptist Hospital to train as a Chaplain

It was at Missouri Baptist Hospital where Judith would meet Kenneth Bosworth through a mutual friend. A few short weeks later, they had fallen fast in love and soon were married. Cat Stevens' "Morning Has Broken" was performed at their backyard wedding and it would prove to be critical to the soundtrack of their lives.

Judith and her new husband soon bore a toe-headed child, Joshua, and fled the big city, moving back to the Minnesota wilderness where Kenneth had co-founded an outdoor youth camp. Adventurous Christians is located on the Gunflint Trail, north of Duluth. Ken and Judith soon had another son, Jeremiah, in nearby Grand Marais. Despite lack of running water their growing family thrived in the heart of the wilderness, surrounded by dense forest and a thousand lakes.

In 1979 this rugged life in remote northern climate would prove too much, and Ken took a new job closer to civilization, a world away in sunny Anacortes, Washington, nestled on the outskirts of the beautiful San Juan Islands. Here, Ken and Judith grew to become cherished members of the community, and as time went on, their young children would grow and mature. Judith was a kind and generous woman, and made deep and earnest friendships. She helped form a long-standing women's group which would later become a book-club that continues to this day.

When she wasn't raising her raucous children, Judith excelled in music, the visual arts and textiles, kept an immaculate garden, and as anyone who shared her table will attest, was an amazing cook. She spent mornings in the garden, wove garments by loom at midday, filled the house with the smell of hearty soups and freshly baked whole wheat bread in the evening, and would fill the parlor with song late into the night. Judith made life for those close to her more beautiful with every new day.

Judith was an excellent vocalist. In St. Louis Judith sang with the St. Louis American Konteri choir (second only to the St. Louis Bach Society choir). After arriving in Anacortes, Judith joined the local Madregal group and when an opening became available, Ken joined as well. Many Christmases found this group singing at house parties.

As her children aged, Judith returned to school, eventually obtaining a Masters in Arts from Antioch College in Seattle. She would eventually come to form a mental health practice in Anacortes, and during her 25 year career as a therapist, would touch the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals.

Judith maintained a deep and vibrant spiritual life, and was an active member of the Methodist, Presbyterian and eventually Lutheran churches. Her religious life extended outside of the church, as well, where she found deep meaning in the wilderness and coastlines of Western Washington. Judith was a wise woman, and a spiritual guide for those around her.

In 2002, Judith suffered the first of what would be several small but impactful strokes. She carried on with her career until her age and health finally caught up with her. She finally retired in 2015. As her health and mobility diminished she was cared for by her loving husband and close family. She lived out her final years in the family home, which she and Kenneth lovingly maintained for 47 years. She loved sitting in the sun, watching the birds, and reading her books and caring for her cutting garden.

Judith passed away on a clear and crisp night in early February, surrounded by people who loved her greatly. We opened all the windows and all the doors and stayed by her side as she voyaged into the next world.

A Celebration of Judith's Life will be held on April the 26th at the Depot Art Center in Anacortes, WA (2 PM- 6PM).  Please come join in the celebration with us, refreshments and snacks will be provided. Please feel free to bring some finger foods to share. Peace to all!