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Obituary: Judith Lynne Rohlf

Judith Lynne Rohlf, 69, died May 29, 2010, at Tahoe Forest Hospital after complications from breast cancer.

Judith Lynne Rohlf was born Sept. 11, 1940, and raised in Lakin, Kan., and attended nursing school at the University of Kansas where she met her husband of almost 48 years, Richard Rohlf. In 1968, they moved their young family to Durham, N.C. Judith spent her nursing career at Duke University Medical Center where she was highly regarded as a caring nurse and administrator.

In her mid-30’s Judith decided to try running as a form of exercise, and she discovered that she had quite a gift. Her passion for running was an integral part of her life for the next 30 years; she competed in and completed countless road races, half-marathons and marathons, frequently winning in her age group, and even in groups much younger than her own! Her small stature belied her strength and her heart as she left her competitors behind on the road and the trail.



Eleven years ago Judith and Richard decided to leave their careers behind them and to move closer to their sons and grandchildren in Truckee. Judith was able to concentrate on what she loved best: taking care of her family. From providing child care, cooking meals, making beautiful quilts, repairing clothes, reading stories, playing endless board games, building snowmen, making hot chocolate, planning birthday parties and Christmas celebrations and#8212; she was never happier than when she was with her family. She always felt most at home in the cool dry air of the Sierra; she enjoyed hiking and mountain biking, looking for wildflowers and birdwatching. An avid downhill skier since she was a child, she delighted in her new mountain home and the opportunities to enjoy the snow. She became an accomplished cross-country skier who loved watching her small grandchildren grow up to love the sport as well.

To say that Judith was a generous woman would be an understatement. When she wasn’t giving her time to her family she was giving to the community of Truckee. For many years she was an active member of the Truckee Humane Society; more recently she served on committees for the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation. She was known for her compassion for those less fortunate than she, and she dedicated much time and many resources toward improving the general quality of life of her fellow Truckee residents.



Judith was an exceptionally talented quilter and was involved with many quilting groups in her lifetime. She won awards for her artistry in several quilt shows, but most of her creations were lovingly made for her family and friends. Her artistic talent and creativity were also expressed in her love of plants, her beautiful garden and her knack for growing orchids. She was an enthusiastic member of the Sierra Tinker Belles garden club.

A few years ago she rekindled her childhood love of horses. Her dedication to improving her horsemanship skills, and to outwitting her spirited mare, kept her active and focused during times of difficult chemotherapy treatments.

A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, June 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. Friends are encouraged to come to her son John’s house at 12659 Little Lake Ct. Bring a dish and a fond memory to share.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Truckee Tahoe Community Foundation.


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