Judith Ann Dickrader

Mrs. Judith Ann Dickrader, age 82, of Jefferson City, Mo. passed away peacefully Thursday, July 24, 2025, at home surrounded by her loving family.

Judy was born on August 11, 1942, in Jefferson City, Mo. a daughter of Arthur James and Oline Nora (Perrey) Wilson. She was born and raised on a farm in Mokane, Missouri, where she shared a close bond with her parents and grandparents.

Judy graduated from Mokane High School in 1959 and was active in 4-H, where she especially loved performing monologues on stage. During high school, she met the love of her life, Kenneth Dickrader. Her and Ken were married on January 3, 1959, in Fulton, Missouri, and blessed to celebrate 66 years of marriage. While raising their children, Judy enjoyed living next door to her parents and grandparents, ensuring family was always at the center of her life.

She was known for her hard work and natural gift for connecting with people, which later became the foundation of her career. After working at several stores in Jefferson City, Judy opened her own clothing boutique, Judith Ann Fashions, in Holts Summit in 1983. More than just a store, it became a gathering place for women in the community. Judy hosted fashion shows, chili nights, and men's shopping nights, often sending handwritten postcards to her clients. Many came not only to shop but to enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere Judy created. She especially treasured the years she spent working alongside her daughter, Susan, and continued operating the store until she sold it in 2001.

Judy's greatest joy was her family. She lovingly cared for her mother and children in their later years and delighted in simply visiting with her daughters while Ken barbecued. She valued staying connected to those she loved, often lifting others' spirits with thoughtful phone calls and handwritten notes. Some of her favorite memories were spent with her daughters and grandchildren at their "Hoopy Shack" at the Lake of the Ozarks, trips to Branson, fishing at their property in Holts Summit, and riding along in Kenny's "Big Blue" dump truck. She was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church and, in later years, attended Capital City Christian Church with her family.

She will be remembered for her strong work ethic, her deep devotion to family, and her determination to pursue her goals with passion and purpose. Whether building relationships through her boutique or caring for those closest to her, Judy approached every part of her life with love and commitment.

Survivors include: three children, Kimberly Black (Terry) of Lee's Summit, Mo., Tina Neill (Allan) of Florence, Al. and Susan Feely of Jefferson City, Mo.; eight grandchildren, Ashley Reynolds (Jason), Megan Hall (Tim), Adam Neill, Dillon Feely, Dalton Feely, Devin Feely (Heaven), Taylor Black (Kailey) and Keaton Black; eight great-grandchildren, Vivian Reynolds, Reid Reynolds, Eliza Hall, Katherine Hall, Brooks Black, Bennett Black, Mia Feely and Eurydice Feely; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Wilson; mother, Oline N. Wilson Hoffman; stepfather, Almon Hoffman; brother, James Wilson; son-in-law, Todd Feely; and brother-in-law, Charles Dickrader.

A memorial service for Judy will be announced in the coming weeks.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, Tn. 38105 or Cedar Grove Baptist Church, 119 Thompson St, Holts Summit, Mo. 65043.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.