Judith Ann (Mueller) Wickersham passed away peacefully at her home in Springfield, Missouri on April 11, 2021. Judy was diagnosed with cancer in 2004. Treatment was successful and she enjoyed many years with the cancer in remission. The cancer did return, and after a valiant and graceful fight, she succumbed. Judy was born in Springfield, Missouri on December 5, 1939 and was 81 at the time of her death.

Judy was the daughter of the late Paul Mueller and the late Frances Nadine (Parker) Mueller. Judy was devoted to her parents and cared for her mother during a long illness, and for her father who lived a long life. Judy is survived by three children who reside in Springfield, Missouri, and three grandchildren. Her children are Paul Wickersham and wife Sharon, Karen Wickersham and Amy Hill. Amy’s children are Austin Hill, who resides in Springfield, Missouri, and Paige Hill and Jordan Hill, both of whom reside in Franklin, Tennessee. Being a grandmother was the joy of her life.

Judy graduated from St. Agnes High School in 1957. She attended Fontbonne College but returned home after the first semester when she discovered that her mother was pregnant with the youngest of her six siblings. Judy was the oldest, and she remained close to her siblings and their families throughout her life. Her siblings are Kathleen Moore and husband David, Kansas City, Missouri, Molly Morgan and late husband Joseph, Rolla, Missouri, Larry Mueller, Springfield, Missouri, Jeanie Morris and husband John, Springfield, Missouri, Mindy Scovell and husband Jim, Mission Hills, Kansas, and Lynn Lacy and husband Mark, Denver, Colorado.

Judy will be remembered for her devotion to her family. She kept current with the news of her many nieces and nephews, as well as their children. Judy was preceded in death by her nephew Ryan Scovell. Surviving her are David Moore and wife Catherine, Springfield, Missouri, Andrew Moore and wife Laura, Kansas City, Missouri, Matthew Morgan and wife Amy, McKinney, Texas, Brian Morgan and wife Kathryn, Seattle, Washington, Christopher Mueller, Springfield, Missouri, Abbie Mueller and husband Chris Franz, Avila Beach, California, Julie Spruill and husband Jack, Chicago, Illinois, Jennifer Braun and husband Josh, Springfield, Missouri, John Paul Morris, Springfield, Missouri, Megan Stack and husband Tim, Springfield, Missouri, Kristin McGill and husband Jesse, Crested Butte, Colorado, Kylie Brewer and husband John, Mission Hills, Kansas, Parker Lacy, Denver, Colorado.

Judy enjoyed her great-nieces and great-nephews. Surviving her are Claire Moore, Ellen Moore, Rachel Moore, Audrey Moore, William Moore, Charles Moore, Maddie Morgan, Brandt Morgan, Ella Morgan, Evan Morgan, Henry Morgan, Leo Franz, Lincoln Spruill, Henley Spruill, Olive Snyder, Owen Braun, Annie Brewer, Quigley Brewer, James Brewer, Patrick Brewer, and Elliott Stack.

Perhaps ahead of the times in the 1970s, Judy was part owner of Le Cole Montessori Preschool where daughter, Amy, and many other children experienced the Montessori method. The school was located in a house on East Bennett Street across from Holy Trinity Church and later moved to Sieger Drive just south of East Sunshine Street.

A lover of books, Judy was one of the proprietors of Page One Book Store for children in the 1970s. Many children in Springfield, including her children, enjoyed the selection of books at Page One. The store was originally located on Sieger Drive next to Le Cole Montessori School and later moved to the Plaza Shopping Center. Judy worked as a real estate agent and a travel agent with her wonderful friend, Ellen Jones.

An avid Mahjong player, Judy played the game regularly for years with her dear friends Sharan Klingner, Annette Hall and Becky Hogan. The friends also enjoyed travel and shared many trips to Florida, Colorado and Big Cedar Lodge.

When Paul Mueller passed, management of the family farm fell to the seven siblings. Judy took responsibility for many aspects of making the farm a special place for the family to gather. All have taken note of her particular attention to detail. The family extends our gratitude to Jerry and Teresa Dishman, Sherri Anderson and Samuel Morton for keeping the family farm beautiful.

Judy maintained grace throughout her long fight with cancer. The confidence inspired by her beloved doctor, James Albert Bonebrake, MD, surely contributed to her strength. Judy always spoke highly of nurse Kristin Heydt. The family is grateful for the professional care provided by Dr. Bonebrake and staff.

As the end of her life on Earth neared, wonderful care was provided by the staff of Compassus Hospice and Amada Senior Care. The family extends a special thank you to nurse Nadia of Compassus and Lynette of Amada who made Judy’s last moments before passing peaceful.

Judy requested that we hold a celebration of life in her honor. Family and close friends will gather at the family farm to celebrate the life of Judith Ann (Mueller) Wickersham.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to GYNCA. GYN Cancer Alliance provides education, resources and support to local women and their families affected by gynecologic cancers. https://gynca.orgor mail to: GYN Cancers Alliance, 3039 S Fort, Suite A, Springfield, MO 65807. Please specify in honor of Judy Wickersham.