Judy Taylor

Judy A. Taylor, age 78 of Iola, Kansas passed from this life on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at her home with loved ones near.

April Fools in 1944 wasn’t a day for fooling around when a spit fired little girl entered this world.   On Saturday, April 1, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas Wilbert Oja and Bertha Mae (Dodson) Strickland had a beautiful baby girl they named Judy Ann.  Judy lived her life full of energy and full of artistry.  She attended local schools in Coffeyville.

Judy was a strong willed, independent, and determined woman, often to a fault.  That willful personality gave her the drive to own and operate her own attendant care business, JT Homecare, while making their home and helping raise her Granddaughter, Nicole.

On April 18, 1989, she married her husband of thirty-three years in Coffeyville, KS. Shortly after their marriage, they made their home in Iola, Kansas where they currently reside.

Judy and John fought for services to be implemented for those who suffer from Mental Health disorders at the state level in Topeka for many years.  They did this largely because of Judy’s son and knew the need for help.  Because of her determination and never backing down from a challenge, many of the services offered today are because of that dedication.

Judy was a truly gifted artist, if you left something lying around too long you would find Judy either drawing or painting on it. She loved to spend hours coloring and drawing with her grandchildren. Judy loved her grandchildren deeply, often encouraging them to explore the outdoors and even to get a little dirty.

Many will remember Judy for the fierce love she had for her sons, husband, grandchildren, and close relatives (aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws), including so many life-long friends. She will be remembered for not being afraid to speak her mind, for loving the outdoors and for the beautiful artwork she created. She will also be remembered for the assistance provided to many so they could remain at home a little longer.  What a blessing she was to her family, friends, and community.

Those treasuring the memories they will carry for the rest of their life of Judy is her husband John of the home; sons Mike Shook (Dalena), Mark Weeks (Kristen), David Weeks, stepdaughter Jessica Baker (Sam); brothers, Kenneth Oja (Mary) Robert Oja, Gary Oja (Rosalie); sisters Janine Basso (Albert), Cheryl Elias (Jeffery); eight grandchildren, Megan Page (Ronnie), Nicole Shook, Kyle Shook (Kelsey), Heather Shook, Laray Taylor, Piper Weeks, Raylynn Baker and Harper Weeks and eleven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two of her sons Tommy Joe Strickland, Stacy Shook and her stepson Gene Taylor; her parents and brother James Oja.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, January 9, 2023, at 1pm at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave. Coffeyville, Kansas with Pastor Matt Bycroft of Rivertree Christian Church in Iola officiating.   The family has requested memorial contributions be made payable to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and may be left in care of the chapel.   Judy will be laid to rest in Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.  Services will be streamed live under her obituary page at www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com where you may also leave an online condolence or share a memory with the family.