Judith Ann (Kirkham) Coiner (82) passed away on January 13, 2024, in her home surrounded by family. Judy was born on April 28, 1941, in Springfield and was known for bringing joy and positivity to everyone around her.

Growing up in Springfield, Judy attended Weaver Elementary, Pipkin Middle School, and Central High School, where she was a proud member of the CHS Kilties. She was the daughter of Harlen and Marie Kirkham and had an older brother, Jim. She enjoyed a large, loving extended family and was grateful for their support and close relationships throughout her life.

She pursued her education at Southwest Missouri State University (now MSU), earning a bachelor’s degree in education. Judy dedicated her life to early childhood education, serving as a preschool teacher at the United Methodist Church in West Plains, Missouri, for 15 years and later as a Parent Educator with Springfield Public Schools. She continued her passion for education even after retirement by becoming a volunteer reader and leading book clubs for her grandchildren’s classrooms. She had a special way of engaging children and extending her love of learning to them.

Judy married Bob Coiner on June 28, 1964. Before his passing in 2019, they celebrated 55 years of marriage together and raised three children. They enjoyed family vacations to Bull Shoals Lake and fishing trips to Minnesota with her parents, Aunt Mary Jo Wynn, and friend Brenda Andrews.

Judy loved to have fun with her friends and family and was an avid sports fan. She was always up for a game of cards or Catchphrase, cheering on the MSU Lady Bears, and attending her grandchildren’s school and sporting events.

A woman deeply rooted in her faith, Judy sought comfort and community within her church families. She spent her formative years at Campbell Methodist Church in Springfield. While in West Plains, she was a member of First Baptist Church. After her return to Springfield, she was a member of South Gate Baptist Church for many years, and most recently attended Ridgecrest Baptist Church. Judy’s unwavering faith always guided her through life’s joys and challenges.

Judy leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter. She is survived by her son, Jeff Coiner, and his wife, Stacy; her daughter, Cyndi Bussen, and her husband, Curt; and her daughter, Mindy Hesterly, and her husband, Scott; and nephew, Stuart Kirkham. Judy was also a cherished grandmother to Jordan Coiner (Kailey), Cassidy Palmer (Jake), Mitchell Coiner (Alyson), Gavynn and Riley Hesterly and Cal and Macy Bussen.Her great-grandchildren, Brecken and Bo Coiner, and Noah Palmer, brought an extra sparkle to her eyes. Judy also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews who will miss her dearly.

Her family would like to thank and acknowledge so many of Judy’s friends who surrounded her with love and support in the last few months of her life. When she was struggling, they stepped up to be there for her and showed us all what true friendship means. We’d especially like to thank Kaye Jean Bash, Sheri Bryan, Sharon Gaston, Georgiann Palmer, and Nancy Tiller.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at the memorial service, which will be held at Greenlawn East Funeral Home in Springfield, MO. The service will be held on Thursday, January 25, at 1:30pm. Friends and family are welcome to come between noon and 1:30pm that day and visit with the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to…

The Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks.

203 W Commercial St, Suite C, Springfield, MO 65803

Judy will be remembered for her positive, warm spirit and the love she shared with all fortunate enough to know her. May she rest in eternal peace.