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Judy Showalter Obituary
State Rep. Judy Showalter died Sunday at a Wichita hospital after battling cancer since February. She was 61.
Rep. Showalter, a Democrat from Winfield, had served in the Kansas Legislature since 1997.
The former registered nurse was well-known for her work on the health and human services committee, colleagues said.
"She obviously listened to people about their wishes or desires," said State Rep. Bob Bethell, R- Raymond. "Her goal was to provide services for people. She was focused on the people she represented."
Rep. Showalter was diagnosed with kidney cancer in February, and chemotherapy treatments were not successful, said her daughter, Sudie Tapia.
She wasn't well enough to stay in Topeka, so she worked from her home, Tapia said.
"She paid attention to the issues," Tapia said. "If there was an important vote, she would have gone up there."
Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the First United Methodist Church in Winfield.
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has ordered flags at all state buildings to be flown at half-staff Thursday in Rep. Showalter's honor.
Memories and Condolences
for Judy Showalter
34 Entries
Whitney H. Blake
August 13, 2005
I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Judy many years ago at William Newton in Winfield. She was a truly dedicated individual. Since then, we had kept in touch via email on occasion while she was in Topeka. It was with sadness I learned of her passing. My God bless Judy and her family.
Kasha Kelley
August 4, 2005
Sudie and Family,
Thank you for sharing your mom with me. She was truly a rare gift and I am blessed to have known her. I will not forget the way she cared for and encouraged me, or the great sense of humor she had. And her strength and resolve.... She was a beautiful woman whom I will miss dearly and remember fondly. Bless you all.
Mike & Cindy O'Neal
July 29, 2005
Our sympathy to the family of Judy Showalter. She was a joy and an inspiration to all of us and will be greatly missed.
Mike & Lorraine Fulton
July 28, 2005
Dear Sudie and Jeruschka,
We, all of us, extend our sincere sympathy to you for your loss. We knew and loved Judy while we lived in Winfield for 13 years, and are so sorry to hear of her passing. We will always remember her for her deep convictions, courage, steadfastness and joviality. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Mike Fulton and sons Zac and Nick Fulton; Lorraine Fulton and children Matthew Potts and Vanessa Potts.
Bob Bethell
July 28, 2005
Judy will be missed by all of Kansas a true statesman in every way.
Mario Goico
July 27, 2005
Judy, you will be greatly missed. I appreciated your help, support and positive attitude when we sat together in Health and Human Services; serving with you in the legislature was a pleasure. I will always remember your strength, courage and values when you returned during the special session. You will forever live-on in our memories. My sympathy goes to your family and friends
Peggy Mast
July 27, 2005
Judy was a delight to work with. She was always so upbeat and had a beautiful smile. We will miss her in the House and I will miss my friend. My prayers are with her family who I know must be special people because of knowing her. God Bless.
Debbie Dow
July 27, 2005
God bless you, Judy and your family.
mike kiegerl
July 27, 2005
God bless Judy and her family.
Bob & Chris Patterson
July 27, 2005
We wish to offer our sympathy to Judy's family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathe Decker
July 27, 2005
Judy was always an encourager to me. We may not have agreed on an issue but we were always friends. Many times she would say "Girl, don't let them get you down" I missed her this year and will miss her whenever we are in session. She was always a bright spot. Accept the comfort God has for you right now and in the days to come, don't ever stop talking about Judy, loving her, missing her.
Jo Ann Pottorff
July 27, 2005
Judy, I missed our times in the "living room" at St. Gregory's this year. It was always fun to talk about growing up in Wichita.
Your picture of the Capitol from the windows of St. Gregory's is one ot the best. I hope to get reacquainted with your sister, Betsy since has moved into the district.
Rep. Barbara Craft
July 27, 2005
I enjoyed serving with Judy in the Kansas House for several years, and will remember her for her candor and wit. She touched all of us when she came during the special session -- what a remarkable woman.
Kelly & Terri Isham
July 27, 2005
Kevin, Rose & Family:
We were sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. God Bless You.
Ed and Joanna O'Malley
July 26, 2005
God speed, Judy.
Jeff Jack
July 26, 2005
Judy always showed tremendous heart, but never more than when she came to Topeka one last time to represent the people of her district during the special session. Her courage is an example for each and every one of us. Judy, we will miss you.
Representative Richard & Cheryl Carlson
July 26, 2005
Our thoughts and prayers are of you and your family during this difficult time.
May God bless and keep you close.
Lana Gordon
July 26, 2005
I enjoyed serving with Judy. She will be missed in our House. My thoughts and prayers to the family. Lana Gordon
Rep. Pat George
July 26, 2005
May God grant you peace and lift up the family during this time of sorrow.
Gary Robbins
July 26, 2005
Judy-We will miss your smile, friendship and your invaluable counsel. You were a model legislator who listened to all sides and made decisions based on reason and the best interests of your district. The members of our association wish to extend our deepest sympathy to your family and friends. We will keep you in our prayers and thoughts.
Jim Yonally
July 26, 2005
The legislature, and the state of Kansas, have lost a devoted servant. You were always appreciated for your wit, your wisdom, and as we saw during the special session, your tremendous courage. I thank God for having the opportunity to know you. You go now to a better place, without the pain and suffering that has been with you recently. PEACE
sharon schwartz
July 26, 2005
Judy, Always a friend! I will truly miss your help and support as we consider ag issues even though you pretended not to have much expertise in that area you were an expert! Thanks for being there when I too needed someone to lean on. My sympathy to your family. Sharon
Don myers
July 26, 2005
Rep. Judy Showalter
Steve Huebert
July 26, 2005
It was an honor to serve with Judy in Topeka. She was a good friend. I pray God's comfort for those who mourn her death.
Jim Morrison
July 26, 2005
Judy will be missed by mme very greatly. I appreciated her help, advise, consolutation and friendship. My sympathy goes to her family and friends. Thanks Judy, for being a part of my life.
Steven Brunk
July 26, 2005
Judy, may God be with you and with your family to give them peace.
John & Nancy Grange
July 26, 2005
Judy, we never got the chance to get to know each other very well. From my first impression and what I read now I missed a chance to have another great friend in the Legislature. Rest in Peace, John
Terrie Huntington
July 26, 2005
Judy: I will miss your sense of humor, your political wisdom and Friday lunches. My thoughts and prayers are with your family as they reflect on the goodness of your life.
Arlen and Barbara Siegfreid
July 26, 2005
Judy was an outstanding person and public servant. She will be missed. Our prayers are with her family and many friends at this time.
Mary Pilcher Cook
July 26, 2005
May God be with you, Judy. And may He give your family strength and peace during this difficult time. Pray for all of us.
Vickie Boose for ABATE of KS Inc
July 26, 2005
We have lost a good friend and she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Judy's family and friends.
Brenda Landwehr
July 26, 2005
Judy, you will be missed. Serving with you in the legislature was a pleasure. You were always positive and respectful. You could tell that the issues you worked so hard on came from the heart. You were missed during this last session.
Our thoughts and prayers were always with you. We will continue to pray for your family during their time of grief. For they will hurt now that you are gone.
Your strength and values will live on in your family. God Bless.
Elizabeth Enlow
July 25, 2005
Kansas just lost one of its only good legislators. The family will be in my thoughts.
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