Judith R. Gutekunst (Rippel)

Judith R. Gutekunst, 85, passed away on January 22, 2021 in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

Judith was born in Moberly, MO on August 11, 1935, the daughter of Malcolm Rippel and Berniece Palmer Rippel. She graduated from Moberly High School and married Gerald Gutekunst on June 28, 1956 while he was stationed in Germany. They lived there for a year before returning to the Independence area and starting their family. They were blessed with one son, Doug, and one daughter, Gayle.

After her children started grade school, Judith pursued her bachelor’s degree in education from CMSU, and then received her master’s degree from Webster University. For twenty years she worked as a first-grade teacher for the Raytown school district, retiring in 1998. She continued working with young children as a classroom volunteer until just two years ago.

Judith loved working in her yard, planting flowers in her garden, and listening to the songbirds. She and Gerald made many happy memories in their travels to Alaska, Hawaii, and Ireland, in addition to the vacations across the states and the Jersey shoreline. She was an avid bridge player, a member of the AAUW, and a 65+ year member of the First United Methodist Church.

Judith is survived by her husband of 64 years Gerald; son Doug Gutekunst (wife Cheri); daughter Gayle Lamendola (husband Ronnie); grandchildren David Gutekunst (wife Jocelyn), Amy Quarles (husband Bryan), Brandon Lamendola (wife Lindsay), and Dominick Lamendola; great-grandchildren Joy Gutekunst, Jacob Gutekunst, Eli Quarles, and Everlee Quarles; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents Malcolm and Berniece Rippel and her sister Rosemary Leath.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 29, from 1-2pm, with a funeral service to follow at 2pm, both at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St. in Independence. Due to county restrictions, seating is limited. The funeral service will be recorded and posted to her webpage by Saturday, January 30. Interment will follow in Oak Ridge Memory Gardens.

In honor of Judith, the family suggests contributions to the First United Methodist Church, 400 West Maple Avenue, Independence, MO 64050.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arr: Speaks 816-373-3600)