Judy Delane Yelsma

Judy Delane Ackerman-Yelsma, beloved mother, grandmother, coach, referee, beach loving schoolteacher passed away on June 7, 2025, at the age of 72. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Raymond Lorens and Sonja Janet (Johnsen) Ackerman, Judy’s life was one defined by love, learning, and devotion to family and friends.

Judy spent her formative years in New York and later attended the International School of Geneva (Ecolint) where she is an Alumni. After high school Judy studied at Texas Women’s University. She eventually made her home in Kemp, Texas, where she raised her 3 daughters and built a life rich in friendship and community. A dedicated schoolteacher with Kemp ISD, Judy was passionate about education and left a lasting impression on generations of students and colleagues. She also managed to find the time to coach her daughter’s soccer team and become a FIFA referee.

In 1999, Judy relocated to Littleton, Colorado where she continued to enjoy life surrounded by family. During her time in Colorado, she became a grandmother. Affectionately known as “Memaw” and “Mom Mom,” Judy cherished her time with her grandchildren. She was an avid traveler, a devoted sports fan—especially of football and soccer —and loved winding down with a good glass of wine and some music. The love of her grandchildren brought her back to Texas (not her favorite place) to spend her remaining years.

She is preceded by her parents Raymond Ackerman and Sonja Ackerman-Massey.

She is survived by her children Amy Yelsma, Kay Dingler and husband Daniel and Joy Coffey; sister Lori Lane and husband Mike; brother Bob Ackerman and wife Sally; grandchildren Drew Dingler, Ducky Dingler, Alyssa Coffey, Trenton Coffey and Brittany Miller; great-grandson Asher Miller; and several nieces, nephews and extended family members.