Judith "Judy" Graham

Judith (Judy) D. Graham, 85, of Independence, KS, passed away at her home at Eagle Estates on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Judy was born on October 22, 1937, in Parsons, KS, to J.H. (Jack) and Maude (Lewis) Barnes. Judy attended school in Parsons, KS, until moving to Independence in 1954. She graduated from Independence High School in 1955. Judy met her husband, Floyd E. (JR) Graham while attending IHS. They were married on May 11, 1957, spending 47 years together until JR passed on February 5, 2004.

Judy raised their two daughters, Shelley Schultz and Lisa Cooper (Brian), with J.R. where she was primarily a homemaker for many years. Shelley and Lisa have fond memories of shopping with their mother, and this tradition carried on up to her final days. Judy decided to enter the workforce after her daughters were older. She made her mark on the world doing social work at SRS in Independence and Methodist Youthville in Wichita. Judy worked until the age of 75, making a difference in countless lives in the human service field. After retirement, she began volunteering in Tulsa until she returned to her hometown of Independence. Judy then began volunteering at Hannah’s House until her health forced her to retire to Eagle Estates, where she made her home that she loved so much. She blessed all of the lives of the residents and the staff at Eagle Estates. She could be found playing Bingo, kickball or wandering the halls causing mischief and giving advice to all who would listen. Judy loved her family fiercely and had a special way to connect with each of her grandchildren: Beau Schultz (Kelly), Erica Schultz (Bobby), and Scott Lumm. Judy enjoyed going on countless outings with her family and she found great joy in watching her great-grandchildren, Taylie McKlintic and Bryor Schultz, play sports in her final years. At sporting events, she enjoyed doing her own coaching from the sidelines and giving Coach Schultz some pointers after the game.

God’s presence in Judy’s final moments was felt, surrounded by family and Eagle family. Judy will be missed by so many, but no doubt her legacy will live on in the lives she touched over the years. Judy’s strong faith in God gives all who knew her great comfort that she entered God’s Eternal Heaven. Family will have a private burial with Pastor Dick Drumeller officiating at Mount Hope Cemetery. To leave the family a special message of condolence, please visit, www.pottsfuneralhome.com.