Obituary of Judith Imlay

August 11, 1946 Morganfiled Kentucky. Salt Lake City Ut June 25 2023 Judith Ann Imlay (Bardin) was born in Morganfield, Kentucky August 11, 1946. Judi was a true free spirit and an adventurous soul who did not fear being alone and forging her way through life. She was a fiercely protective mother who loved her children the most. She did everything in her power and beyond to provide for them. She sought an education that would ensure her tireless pursuits would allow many opportunities for her children. She was a ferocious worker and an intellectual businesswoman. She was raised in Kentucky and Charleston, South Carolina. She married William Allen in 1966 and began an adventurous & challenging life as a young married couple. Bill was in the Navy and he and Judi moved from Charleston to Virginia Beach then on to Groton, Connecticut where their first daughter, Kimberly, was born. From Groton they relocated once again to Boston where their second daughter, Melanie, was born. From there it was on to Kokomo, Indiana. On her own Judi decided to take her young girls to Arizona and attend nursing school. Never one to fear a challenge she struck out West to find a new life, education and career to support herself, Kim, and Melanie. Judi met Barry Koerpel while attending nursing school in Phoenix, Arizona. In the late 1970’s they were recruited to Ogden, Utah to set up one of the first dialysis centers in the area. They also ran a private practice together. Barry and Judi had two sons together, Joshua & Blake before eventually divorcing. In the mid 80’s Judi met Jim Imlay and almost instantly fell in love. Their marriage went on to span 30 years before her passing. Jim became an instant father to Kim, Melanie, Josh, and Blake, who joined his son, Josh Imlay, from a previous marriage to form a larger and family. Jim was gracious enough to make a family of six and raise all the children as his own with grace, love and kindness. Judi and Jim were partners in fun, adventure, business and life. They loved each other deeply and spent their lives caring for each other. After working in various capacities as an RN Judi turned her focus to being a businesswoman. She opened an antique store in Ogden and soon began to master the skill and talent it took to know everything about the antiquing business. In the early 90’s she purchased a building on historic 25th street and parlayed her smaller business into an large scale antique store called Judi’s Attic. Although the business was successful Judi was always looking for the next opportunity for success. In the early 90’s mirco breweries had not yet become what they are today. Judi took a risk anyway and started Roosters Brewing Company -- still a highly successful business today. In 2001 Judi began her journey into the unknown when she was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. The irrefutable family history with dementia had reached her doorstep. Judi retired from Roosters and began to find her way through this debilitating disease. She battled with her dementia and heart disease for over 20 years. She was brave and strong as she always has been and faced the ravages head on. Before she was robbed of her mind and body she was probably best described as a fire ball. She lit up the earth and conquered all that challenged her throughout her life. Before her diagnosis and throughout her life she loved to spend time with her family, her grandchildren and her dogs. Gardening, painting and playing piano were her favorite pastimes. Judi came alive most when she was with her family and extended family. She was the quintessential mama bear, the queen bee, grandma juju. She was fierce, funny, witty, feisty, brave, strong, fearless, sharply sarcastic, intelligent, loving and human. Judi died June 26, 2023 surrounded by love, care, and kindness. We were fortunate to witness her life, her strength and be in her presence as she slipped into the arms of Blake, who preceded her in death in 2012. Judi was a spiritual woman who believed one day she would hold her son again. We hope she is doing just that. Judi is survived by her husband Jim, daughters Kim and Melanie (Joe). Sons Josh (Maggie) and Josh, five grandchildren, Zack, Jonah, Eli, Orrie, and Etta. Her brother, Dennis (Leslee) and sister Freda. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Preceded in death by Blake Koerpel & her parents Martha and Frank Bardin. Judi's final act of love for her family was to donate her brain so that maybe her children, their children and many generations may be freed from the dementia that so many in the family have suffered. Please consider a donation to The Alzheimer's Association, The Lewey Body Dementia Association or The Heart Association of America. Services will be held August 12, 2023 at the First Unitarian Church at 4:30 pm. The family will be available 1 hour before service. Please reach out to Melanie with any questions 801-910-3828, melanieborgenicht@gmail.com