Judith Ann Leach

Judith Ann Leach ("Judy"), cherished wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the age of 85, embraced by her husband, holding the hands of her daughters, and listening to Elvis Presley.
Judy was born on October 20, 1939 in Kansas City, Missouri and grew up in Blue Springs, Missouri. Her radiant beauty outside, being named homecoming queen her freshman year in college and working as a print model for various magazines, was equally matched by her beauty inside, working with the elderly over the years.
After growing up in Blue Springs, Judy met the love of her life, Jimmy Leach ("Jim"). While attending Central Missouri State University, the lovely Tri Sigma sorority girl fell in love with the tall, lanky athlete. After college and marriage on March 2, 1963, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army, and they were stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. It was there in 1964 that they welcomed their first daughter Dani. In the years that followed, Jim and Judy moved all over the United States with Jim's career at Conoco, but home was mainly in Kansas City and Houston. They expanded their family in 1972 with the addition of their second daughter Cami, born in Kansas City.
Judy and Jim spent decades traveling the world, visiting over 60 countries and all 50 states. The small-town girl from Missouri got to see all different kinds of places and cultures. She'd always return home with souvenirs for her friends and family.
Judy was a girl mom through and through and provided peace in a world of chaos for her two daughters, Dani and Cami. She never raised her voice and always lead with a gentle, patient hand. Her voice saying, "act like a lady," is forever etched into the brains and hearts of her girls. They'll continue to try to live up to their mom's expectations, but nobody could be as graceful as Judy.
Her presence provided an instant calm to everyone. When she was near, you couldn't help but feel cared for. She was a nurturer unlike any other and the epitome of the word "family." She kept her emotions mostly to herself but was the first person to tear up with pride.
Judy was meant to be a "Grammy". With a nurturing spirit and an ability to bring a sense of peace to any room, her rambunctious grandchildren loved her endlessly. She was the person they ran to when they had a scary dream and needed a scratch on their back to help them fall asleep again. She would make mac and cheese and teach them the steps so they could make it themselves one day.
Judy was a woman of many talents and an impeccable artist in all mediums. She was an expert seamstress, making many dresses for her daughters' school dances, and even her mother-of-the-bride dress to perfection. She was a quilter and loved going to conventions with her girlfriends and making clothes for herself. She created unique costume jewelry including souvenir baubles from her world travels. Nary an empty wall could be found in her home because of her beautiful art pieces. She will also be remembered for her incredible music ability. She played piano, guitar, and ukulele and loved teaching her grandbabies how to play.
Her family will treasure Christmas memories of baking cookies with Grammy (who always did all the work). The same can be said about spending time watching TV alongside Grammy in her big chair drinking diet coke from her 40-year-old plastic Conoco cup. Shirts in Judy's favorite color purple will always be dear reminders. Weekly happy hours for Jim, Dani and Cami will be missing their 4th founding member. Family reunions and trips to Broken Bow won't have the same joy without her sitting in her chair with a generous pour of Pinot Grigio, watching the fun, and suspiciously always winning the family games.
Judy's love of animals was boundless. She could name any dog, bird or horse breed off the top of her head. Her family likes to think that after she took her last breath here on Earth, Judy awoke in heaven and was immediately given puppy kisses from her beloved dogs that she lost throughout the years. Snowball, Pepper and Matty love having their mom back.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents Helen and John Chrisman; her brother Dennis Chrisman; and her brother-in-law Marion and sister-in-law and best friend Judie LeNeve.
Judy is survived by her husband Jimmy Leach; her two daughters, Dani Butowsky (Ed) and Cami Hayduk (Brian); her four grandchildren, Lauren Sheppard (Ben), Keaton Butowsky, Andie Hayduk and Collin Hayduk; her nieces, Kristy Umstattd, Kim McGrath, and Kelly Bise; and her brothers, John Chrisman, Gary Chrisman and Joel Chrisman.
A private celebration of life for family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers for condolences, donations can be directed to CurePSP at www.psp.org in Judy's name.