Judith Pearl (Stover) Withers

Judith Pearl (Stover) Withers

December 16, 1941 – June 18, 2023

I'll always remember the song they were playin'

The first time we danced and I knew

As we swayed to the music and held to each other

I fell in love with you

Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?

Would you be my partner every night?

When we're together it feels so right

Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?

(Anne Murray, 1980)

Judith Pearl is dancing!  On June 18, 2023, Mom joined our Dad, Jim, for an eternal dance.  The first time they “cut the rug” is unknown, but the story is told that a boyfriend of Judie had joined the service only to return to find that Jim had “cut in” and claimed the dance.  Mom’s parents, Raymond and Sallie Stover would be able to tell a few stories regarding Judie, her siblings (Smokey, JoJo, and John), her childhood friends, and the crazy stunts they would pull.  Jim and Judie’s wedding dance started on 11/29/1959, and you could bet they would jitter, swing or slow dance wherever the opportunity allowed. 

Their dance would move to the ranch north of Sharon Springs in the early 1960’s as they swayed to the tune of Tammy, Connie, Matthew, and Sallie.  The family, cattle and farm life brought out the best in Judie, especially her cooking.  A master of the homemade bread, chicken fried steak, sugar cookies and beef jerky, she would load the school bus and head to the harvest field, or the van and head to the lake, or just invite anyone in the area to the farmhouse for a meal, cards, games, and fellowship.

Judie loved to invite her community to join her on the dance floor.  Whether as an EMT, an aerobics instructor, the crazy snake lady of the Rattlesnake Roundup, or ever-present at her children’s sports and activities, mom loved the fast pace.  Many fall seasons ended with a Corn Party that grew larger than life.  Family, friends, community, dancing, and celebration created a moment of togetherness and joy. 

Nine grandchildren fell in love with a goofy and free-spirited Grandma Judie.  The bottomless candy dish and pistachio bowl were a mainstay on her kitchen table.  She would talk to them in an “abb” language that each tried to replicate and converse back.  “Motor-boat” lips, or whatever that was, would break-out without warning.  Show tunes brought everyone into the room as she would pick just the right one for the exact moment that was occurring.  Judie took her “show” into retirement in Colby.  It seemed the most important aspect of choosing a house was if the whole family could fit during holidays and reunions.  To ensure a good time the swimming pool was always ready to go when the family arrived. 

If you were fortunate you would have been one of Judie’s VIDs (Very Important Dog).  Gus, Ollie and Baxter were the recipients of anything the grandchildren were entitled to.  She orchestrated life with a python, canaries, raccoon, chickens, geese, and guineas.  She had an eye for art and jewelry.  And to the very end she wanted to know when the Broncos were playing next, never wanting to miss the game.  While this earthly dance has concluded, we are confident that Jim swooped her off her feet and they are once again leading the Grand March.  We’ll miss you for now, but we’ll see you soon.  This dance lasts forever.  Love You!

She is lovingly survived by her four children; Tammy (Randy) Robben of Sharon Springs, KS, Connie (Shad) Mehl of Leoti, KS, Matthew (Nancy) Withers of Wichita, KS and Sallie (Elliot) Jensen of Andover, KS.  She is also survived by her 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM CT at the Colby United Methodist Church in Colby, KS.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 10:00 AM CT at the Colby United Methodist Church.  Burial will follow in the Beulah Cemetery, Colby, KS.

Memorial contributions may be designated to the Prairie Museum in Colby or to the Wallace County EMS and may be left at the services, or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.