Judith “Judy” Rockey, 83, of Atchison, KS died unexpectedly on Saturday, Jan. 6th, 2018 at the Lakeview Village East Side Terrace Rehabilitation Center, Lenexa, KS.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, Jan. 13th, 2018 at the United Methodist Church, 501 Kansas Ave, Atchison, KS. The body has been cremated and burial of cremated remains will follow the service in the Sunset Memory Gardens, Atchison, KS. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until time of service at the United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Community of Christ Church or the Atchison Humane Society and may be sent in care of the Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral Home who is handling the arrangements. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Judy was born on Nov. 28th, 1934 in Bendena, KS the daughter of Horace D. and Edna (Dittemore) Williams. She graduated from Troy High School in 1953. She earned an Associate’s degree from Cottey College, Nevada, MO and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from University Kansas in Education. Judy began her teaching career in a one room school house in Moray, KS. She then was a beloved first grade teacher for 41 years for USD# 409 at Central Elementary School. She retired in 1997. She touched many lives in a positive way and left a legacy of educational impact.

Judy was an active member of the Community of Christ Church, was a member of the Retired Teachers Association, was a 56 year member of the FT Chapter of PEO, Atchison, a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority for 50 years, a member of a Red Hat Society, and sang for many years with the Sweet Adeline’s. She loved her time acting in plays and shows in Theatre Atchison and was a member of the Encore Radio Players. She enjoyed being a Docent for the Amelia Earhart home, she was on the Election Board, loved her swimming at the YMCA, she was Friends of the Atchison Library and Member of the National Education Association for 41 years. Judy loved to read and always had a book in her hands when relaxing. Trips to the lake with friends and family were a highlight for many years. Although she never actually water skied, she was known for some good sunbathing time. Judy loved watching old movies, KU basketball, KC Royals and Chiefs, and especially spending time with her grandchildren who are following her footsteps by attending KU like their dear grandma.

She was married to Rudolph “Rudy” Rockey on June 7th, 1959 in Fanning, KS. Rudy preceded her in death on Oct. 5, 2015. Survivors include a daughter, Lynn (Brian) Finn, Olathe, KS, a brother, Earl (Sharon) Williams, Blue Springs, MO, a sister-in-law, Evelyn Williams, San Antonio, TX, two grandchildren, Conor and Reagan Finn, and many nieces and nephews she dearly loved. Her parents, husband Rudy, and one brother, Lafe Williams, preceded her in death.

Judy will be missed by many because she was loved by many.