She was born Feb. 24, 1962, in Eugene, to Charles and Norma Day Wetzell. She married Gerald E. Stephen on Aug. 12, 2000, in Tigard. She died Nov. 22, 2009 of cardiac arrest. She was 47.

Judi graduated from Clatskanie High School and received a master's degree from the University of Oregon. She was a teacher and an actress.