Judith Esther Howard

Judith “Judy” Howard, 83, of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025, surrounded by her husband, daughters, grandchildren, and beloved dogs.

Judy was born on November 19, 1941, in Higginsville, Missouri, to Oscar “O.L.” and Esther Hebbler. Raised by her hardworking parents—her father a German immigrant and her mother a Swedish immigrant—Judy was proud of her heritage and of what it meant to be an American citizen. She often reminded her family of the great sacrifices her older brothers made, having served their country during WW II, Pearl Harbor, and the Korean War.

Judy grew up in Higginsville, where her family helped lay the foundation in the Higginsville Presbyterian Church. A proud graduate of Higginsville High School, “Home of the Huskers,” she excelled in her studies and went on to attend college in Warrensburg, Missouri, focusing on English. She loved reading and writing, especially writing, a passion that followed her throughout her life.

After completing her studies, Judy moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where she worked as a secretary at Waddell & Reed. It was there that she met a friend that knew Wayne Howard. The two met on March 22, 1963, during a blind date arranged by their mutual friends, the Bittners, in the living room of Wayne’s parents’ home. Their love grew quickly, and on June 1, 1963, Wayne proposed to Judy at Allen's Drive-In.

On May 24, 1964, Judy married the love of her life, Wayne, at the Higginsville Presbyterian Church. Over the next 61 years, their marriage grew into a true partnership. She followed Wayne's faith in the Nazerene church to raise their family. Wayne was Judy’s biggest fan in his support, encouragement and the greatest defender in keeping her grounded. Judy always balanced life and his career on the KCK fire department with her creative spirit. Together, they built a beautiful life and shared two daughters: Elizabeth, born October 5, 1967, and their youngest Annette, born June 6, 1973

While raising her daughters, Judy also worked in the Kansas City, Kansas School District in a variety of teaching roles. A gifted writer, she also did freelance work for Hallmark Cards, writing under a pen name. Her last career hat was to serve on the Wyandotte County Election Committee and encouraged everyone to vote and ensure they were accurately counted.

Judy will be remembered for her creativity, generosity, her love of family and lifelong devoted love for God. She taught her daughters to value learning, proper grammar, and etiquette, and instilled in them a lifelong love of reading and writing. She was also a creative artist at heart, known for painting whimsical animals on the family’s storm door for parties, sewing, embroidery, and planning celebrations of all kinds. Her love of hosting parties became a tradition with honoring events and raising money to support local firemen's political candidates of choice. She had a talent for making others feel special through her gifts, whether through handmade pillows for her children’s teachers, complete with embroidered student names, or the countless ways she gave of herself to her family and community.

Above all, Judy will be remembered as a devoted Christian wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her legacy of love, creativity, service and her faith in God will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Bob, Gene, George, Doris, and Lois.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Wayne; her daughters, Elizabeth Luczkowski and Annette Urban; and seven cherished grandchildren: Seth Hartman (30), Luke Urban (23), Isabel Urban (20), Zach Luczkowski (28), Colin Luczkowski (26), Tanner Luczkowski (24), Chloe Luczkowski (21).

Judy’s life was big, beautiful, and full of purpose. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, Her wish was for donations to be made to The Kansas City, Kansas Fireman Relief Association or Kansas City Humane Society for Dogs.