MCGHEE, Judith Kay (1951-2022)

MCGHEE

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/28/2022 at 12:06:29

Judith Kay McGhee
(June 6, 1951 - June 23, 2022)

Judith Kay McGhee, 71, of Indianola, Iowa, peacefully passed away at home on June 23, 2022 surrounded by loved ones after a difficult battle with gallbladder cancer.
Judy was born on June 6, 1951 to Bob and Lila Jones in Wichita, KS. After graduating high school from Westtown School in West Chester, PA in 1969, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Friends University, a Master’s degree at Northwest Missouri State University, and completed all her coursework toward a PhD in Education at Iowa State University.
Judy married Mike McGhee on November 19, 1972 at the University Friends Church in Wichita, KS. Judy and Mike went on to have two daughters, Kate (born 1979) and Laurie (born 1982). She stayed busy with her daughters’ many activities. Judy was especially proud of her contribution as a Girl Scout Leader.
Judy’s passion for education led to a 40 year career in teaching. She began her teaching career in Westmoreland, KS as an elementary teacher. She then taught for 25 years at Lamoni Elementary in Lamoni, IA and then at the collegiate level at Graceland University.
In retirement, Judy pursued her gardening hobby with zeal. She planted a beautiful and extensive garden loved by many and was always planning new flower beds for Mike to build. She became a Master Gardener and was active in the Ackworth Garden Club, including serving as the group’s president.
Surviving is her husband, Mike; two daughters, Kate Bussanmas of Norwalk and Laurie McGhee of Des Moines; three beloved grandchildren, Sky, Mason, and Dane Bussanmas; two sisters, Cathy (Mike) Lewitt of Wichita, KS and Nancy Bullard of Belton, TX; father, Bob (Bev) Jones of Hutchinson, KS; brothers-in-law, Chuck McGhee of Ortonville, MI, and Mike Marasco of Wichita, KS. Judy was preceded in death by her mother, Lila Jones; in-laws, Ethel and Carlton McGhee; brother-in-law, Ken Bullard; and sister-in-law, Carol Marasco.
Friends and loved ones are invited to gather for an informal celebration of life on Tuesday, July 12th from 2-4pm at the Scotch Ridge Presbyterian Church, 13015 Scotch Ridge Road, Carlisle, IA. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ackworth Garden Club or Hope Ministries of Iowa.
This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, http://www.overtonfuneral.com/