Judy Martz, Montana’s first woman to become governor, was memorialized with a larger-than-life bronze statue at the state Capitol in Helena. The bronze statue of Judy Martz stands near the entry to the governor’s office on the second floor. On July 29, 2024, the statue was unveiled during a moving ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda with an outpouring of praise from members of both parties. Included were her current children, Gov. Greg Gianforte, members of Judy’s staff, current politicians, and veteran Democrat legislator Diane Sands. Former Gov. Marc Racicot was in attendance as well. He had selected Judy to serve beside him as lieutenant governor for his second term, 1986‑90. She was then elected as governor and served from 1990-94. “Life is like a turtle!” Judy often said. “It can never move forward unless its neck is stuck out!” Those attending the unveiling wore shiny pins depicting a turtle moving forward, led by an extended head. Judy never hesitated to take on a cause that she believed in. I don’t believe she considered herself a “women’s-libber.” She just felt she could handle the task — sometimes Judy Martz Memorialized With a Bronze Statue By Mike Cuffe, Montana State Senator Judy Martz's funeral was held in the Butte Civic Center with over 1,000 people in attendance. 20 | Directors Digest
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