Whittier, CA

Born Judith Faye Swartz on July 22, 1937, Judy passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025. Judy was the beloved sister to Carol (Robert) Parlette and cherished aunt to Mike & Lee Oldfield, Holly (Shawn) Smith, Heidi (Shane) Smith, and dear friend and caregiver, Greg Fancher. Judy was a loyal wife and mother, as she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard L. Graves, and daughter, Pilar M. Graves of La Mirada, California, parents, John and Iris Swartz of Columbus, Ohio, sister, Shane Oldfield of Worthington, Ohio, and her in-laws, Alice and Nial Graves of McArthur, Ohio. Judy graduated from Ohio University, where she was very active as the Vice President of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She met and married her handsome husband at OU, and they began their new life together in Whittier, California. Judy was a dedicated, talented, successful person who believed in being a part of strengthening her communities, be it in Buena Park and La Mirada, California, or McArthur, Ohio. During Judy’s more than 20 years at the Buena Park Police Department, she served as Secretary for the two Captains and Professional Standards Sergeant, as well as providing assistance, support, and assuming the role of Secretary to the Chief of Police. She was recognized and awarded for her many achievements and her contributions to the overall success of the Buena Park Police Department. Judy and her family enjoyed spending a number of summers at their antique, historic cabin in McArthur, Ohio, where they would relax and enjoy friends and the many Graves family members. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Diabetes Association.

Celebration of Life Service to be held for Judith at 3:00 pm, on Friday, November 7th at White Emerson Mortuary (13304 Philadelphia St., Whittier, CA 90601)