Judith Arlee Springer Terry

Judith (Judy) Arlee Springer Terry passed away on Sunday, September 8 with her loving family by her side. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 14 at 10am at Speaks Suburban Chapel on 39th Street, Independence, MO with visitation preceding the service at 9am. A private family burial will be held afterwards.

The youngest of six children, Judy was born September 6, 1940, in Freeport, Illinois, to James G. Springer, Sr. and Pearl Easker Springer. They and her only brother, James G Springer, Jr and her oldest sister, Jean Hoefer, preceded her in death.

In 1946, after Mr. Springer’s early death in 1945, the family moved to Kansas City, Missouri where Judy attended Gladstone Elementary, Northeast Junior High, and Northeast High School from which she graduated in 1959. She attended the University of Kansas City after graduation for a year, and in the mid-seventies received her Associate of Arts degree from Longview Community College. In 1990 she walked down “The Hill,” the proud recipient of her Bachelor’s degree in General Studies from the University of Kansas. Through the years, she was employed by Kline’s Department Store, Trans World Airlines, Inc., Irving C. Rubin & Associates, Inc., the Kansas East Conference of the United Methodist Church and Dillard’s Department Stores.

In June 1961 Judy married her high school sweetheart, Larry Keith Terry, and shared 63 years together. Born to this union were two daughters, Elaine Elizabeth Terry Haverty and Gayle Suzanne Terry Holmes. When her daughters were in elementary school, Judy was active in the room mother program, PTA officer and activities, and Girl Scout leading. For many years she was an active member of the Northeast High School Alumni Association and served on its Board from 1999 to 2007. She attended every one of her high school reunions and helped on most of the reunion committees. Her school friends were very dear to her throughout her life.

Judy was a Lifetime member of the University of Kansas Alumni Association. The “Jayhawks” sports’ program (particularly basketball) afforded her and her family many good times together.

She was a longtime member of the Community Christian Church and had served on its Diaconate as well as several committees. At one time she was active in New Day Christian Women’s Fellowship, serving on its Board for several terms. She and her husband enjoyed their volunteering together in the church’s Food Pantry for many years. Judy was also a Lifetime member of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary.

She was proud of her Czech heritage and researched her ancestry. In 2006 a European trip gave Judy and her husband the opportunity to visit Javornice, Czech Republic, the “ancestral village” of her maternal grandmother and great grandfather. Judy was a member of the Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International.

Judy is survived by her husband, Larry, and daughters Elaine (Dan Hunnicutt) Haverty, and Gayle (Barry) Holmes; her loving grandchildren, Grace Elizabeth Haverty and Jay Michael Haverty, who brought her great joy in her role as “Grandma Judy”; her bonus granddaughter Juliet Holmes; three sisters Joan Peterson, Joy Sublette, and Jane (Byron Constance) Taylor; sisters-in-law Marilyn Kepple, Wanda Kays and Sharon Johnson, and many dear nieces and nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends who throughout the years have enriched her life with love and laughter.

In Judy’s memory, please make donations to the American Lung Association, Kansas City Metro area or the charity of your choice.