Judith Ann Thompson, 59, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away Monday, February 25, 2013, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs. The family will receive friends starting at 12:00 p.m. followed by a celebration service at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 9th at Royer-Hays Funeral Home, Blue Springs. Contributions may be made to Newhouse of Kansas City or the United Way.
Judy was born February 4, 1954 in San Francisco, California, the daughter of David and Patricia (Paoletti) Stephens. She and her husband of 37 years were married on June 29, 1975. She attended college at Emporia State University, where she received a Master of Science degree in Sociology. She dedicated her whole life to helping others, always striving to improve the lives of those subject to social injustices. Her professional career spanned a variety of nonprofit organizations, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Campfire, Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph and Newhouse women’s shelter. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. Her sense of humor and enthusiasm created wonderful memories for everyone.
Family members include her husband, Paul Thompson of Blue Springs; daughter Valerie Thompson & husband Garrick True of Kansas City; son Tyson Thompson & friend Audrey Brady of Blue Springs; her mother, Patricia Stephens of CT; sister, Linda Green & husband Richard of RI; sister, Christine Sorenson & husband George of AZ; sister, Gayle Truax & husband Robert of TX; brother-in-law, Philip Thompson & wife Cheryl of KS; brother-in-law, Kenneth Thompson of OK; sister-in-law, Sarah Gordon & husband Matthew of KS; and nieces & nephews.
Judy was a source of inspiration to people throughout her life and she will be missed. “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
Arrangements: Royer-Hays Funeral Home, Blue Springs, MO 816-229-5551