PORTER, Judy (1943-2021)

PORTER

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 7/4/2022 at 12:03:48

Judy Porter
(July 6, 1943 - August 26, 2021)

Judy (JP) Porter passed away on August 26, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. Judy was born July 6, 1943 in Versailles, Illinois to Halmer and Grace Myers. After graduation from high school in Libertyville, IL., she enrolled in Simpson College where she became a member of Alpha Chi Omega (AXO) sorority where she made lifelong friendships. She held various offices on the AXO Alumnae Board and House Corporation. In 1966, she married John Pressley Piffer Jr. Of this marriage, a daughter, Michelle Diane, was born. After graduating from college, she taught physical education, and coached for ten years at Indianola High School. She was a pioneer in fighting for equality for women sports, and started the first team sport, volleyball. She coached her volleyball team to three straight state tournaments. Also, she taught junior golf for many years. It was with great pride that so many became excellent golfers.
In 1977, she married her best friend and soulmate, Don Porter. They both loved to entertain. They unselfishly opened their business and home for many community functions.
She was a founding member of the Royal Order of Groundhogs and a local chapter of the Red Hat Society. She retired as an Equal Employment Specialist with the USDA after 17 years.
After leaving Indianola, she lived in Denver, CO and Norman, OK. Alpha Chi’s from the University of Oklahoma and others served as caretakers over the last five years. They became great friends too. Bella, her dog, was her bedside companion.
Her pride and joy were her granddaughters, Olivia and Carolyn. They looked forward to weekly date nights with Grandma.
Survivors include daughter Michelle Kelley (Jeff Slankard), granddaughters Olivia and Carolyn Kelley, bonus granddaughter Dallas Slankard of Arvada CO; sister Linda (Don) Brown of Oklahoma City; cousin Ruth Blansett of Springfield, MO, sister-in-law Bonnie Myers of Libertyville, IL, and many nieces and nephews. Also, her late husband’s children: Dan (Kristi) Porter of Indianola, DeAnna (Jim) Henning of Sioux City, and Dean (Linda) Porter of Lenexa, KS. She was preceded in death by her husband Don in 2006, her parents Halmer and Grace Myers, brothers Hal Phillip and Stephen Deal.
Her philosophy was Carpe Diem and she tried to live each day to the fullest. She asked her family to have a Carpe Diem Celebration in her honor. The celebration will be on October 24, 2021 at Red Acre Barn, 4053 Kirkwood St. Prole, IA, at 12:00 p.m. with visitation held prior to services at 11:00 a.m. MASKS REQUIRED FOR ALL ATTENDEES.
Memorials in her honor can be sent to the Denver Botanical Gardens. This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, http://www.overtonfuneral.com/