Judith Katherine Bingham

Judith Katherine (Gause) Bingham

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend, Judith Katherine (Gause) Bingham passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 29, 2026.

Judy was born to John Kenneth and Mildred (Hough) Gause on November 11, 1943, in La Junta, Colorado.

Judy grew up on the family farm in Rocky Ford, Colorado, where her family raised melons and alfalfa. As the granddaughter of pioneers who came west from Illinois, Judy displayed the same grit, determination, and toughness that would define her. Her mother and grandmother instilled in her a deep faith in God, a love for family, and a lifelong commitment to excellence.

In her youth, Judy participated in band, where she played the flute, as well as debate and 4-H. Through 4-H, she developed a love for cooking, sewing, gardening, and raising flowers. Her flower garden project was judged Grand Champion for the State of Colorado, beginning a lifelong passion for gardening.

Judy had a Palomino stallion named Trigger, whom she broke at the age of 14. She rode in rodeos and competed in barrel racing, embracing the spirit of the Colorado cowgirl.

Her two siblings, brother Jerry and sister Jane, were always engaged in Scouts, band, and projects beyond the farm.

Judy attended Otero Junior College from 1962 to 1964, majoring in business. Later, after moving to El Paso, Texas, she used those skills to help operate an import business, selling woven baskets throughout the United States.

In 1971, Judy was introduced to John Bingham, a New York Life agent and manager in El Paso. She became one of his first clients. John asked Judy on a date in 1976, and she said yes. They married on March 12, 1977, beginning a partnership built on love, faith, and mutual devotion that lasted over 50 years.

After marrying John, Judy became a proud Marine Corps wife and joined John in running for more than 35 years.

Throughout her life, Judy embraced and excelled in a wide variety of pursuits. From 1978 to 1986, she painted and taught oil painting, evolving from realism to impressionism. Her artwork was accepted into juried and museum exhibitions, earning widespread recognition.

After moving with John to Connecticut, in 1986, and Aetna's home office, Judy discovered a passion for quilting, creating more than 24 hand-pieced and hand-stitched quilts that became treasured keepsakes for family and friends.

In addition to her artistic talents, Judy built a successful insurance career. She became Aetna's leading agent for employee-sponsored life insurance across five New England states, a testament to her work ethic, determination, and ability to connect with people.

In 1990, Judy and John returned to Texas, where Judy continued her success with Colonial Life Insurance in Austin. Returning to El Paso in 1995, Judy began watercolor painting, but found even greater joy chasing her grandchildren.

In retirement, Judy and John enjoyed traveling, photography, and birding, especially in their beloved Portal, Arizona. Judy's many journals captured the wonder, joy, and beauty she found in the world around her. Today, those journals remain treasured keepsakes for her family.

Judy and John were blessed with two daughters:

• Monica Sue Downing (Tim) of Marbella, Costa Rica
• Ami Beth Robinson (Kel) of Monument, Colorado

They were also blessed with five grandsons:

• Justin William Downing (Macey) of Boca Raton, Florida
• Cody James Downing (Brittany) of Carson City, Nevada
• Dr. Timothy Hunter Downing (Madison) of Honolulu, Hawaii
• Kyle Austin Robinson of Edwards, Colorado
• Jonathan Travis Robinson of Colorado Springs, Colorado

They were also blessed with five great-granddaughters:

• Taylor Aubrey Downing of Boca Raton, Florida
• Harper Rose Downing of Boca Raton, Florida
• Emma Sharon Downing of Carson City, Nevada
• Zosia Allie Downing of Honolulu, Hawaii
• Hunter Shelby Downing of Honolulu, Hawaii
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Judy is also survived by her brother, Jerry Gause and Glenda Gause of Houston, Texas; her sister, Jane and Rick May of Nice, France; her in-laws, Nancy Lemons of Abilene, Texas, Susan and Ed Foreman of San Angelo, Texas, and Judi and David Hutcheson of Lubbock, Texas.

She is also survived by her cousins, John Hamm III of Rancho Palos Verdes, California; Debbie Hamm Schreiner of Duncan, Oklahoma; Chris Hamm of Prague, Oklahoma, and Donald Gause of Rocky Ford, Co.

She is also survived by 3 nephews and 8 nieces.

Judy's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Leti Montana, Griselda Harises, Ana Reyna, and Laura Alvarez for the loving care, compassion, and friendship they provided over the years. Thank you Arturo Gurdiola for the love, care, and beautiful flower garden which brought Judy great joy and brightened her days.

The family also extends special thanks to the compassionate staff of Comfort Keepers, Tender Care Home Health, and Hospice for their exceptional care and support, especially Dr. Eribeth K. Peñaranda, Brenda Silva, and Martin Burciaga. Their kindness, professionalism, and dedication were a tremendous comfort to Judy and her family.

To Dr. Ines Sanchez and the entire team at Texas Oncology, thank you for the exceptional care, compassion, and support you provided throughout Judy's journey. Your kindness meant more to Judy and her family than words can express.

The family also expresses their heartfelt appreciation to their Coronado Baptist Church family, whose faithful prayers, encouragement, and support uplifted Judy throughout the years. They are especially grateful to Mike Woods and Drew Cook for their steadfast friendship, ministry, and love.

A Celebration of Judy's Life

A Celebration of Judy's Life will be held on Saturday, August 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Coronado Baptist Church, 501 Thunderbird Drive, El Paso, Texas 79912. The service will be officiated by Mike Woods and Drew Cook. A reception will immediately follow the service. Friends and family are warmly invited to join in celebrating Judy's remarkable life.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home, El Paso, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Judy's honor may be made to Coronado Baptist Church or to the Bloys Campmeeting Association, two ministries that held a special place in her heart.

A graveside service and interment will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, at Valley View Cemetery, 27980 County Road 20, Rocky Ford, Colorado 81067.

Arrangements in Colorado have been entrusted to Bellwood Ustick Funeral Home.