Judith Ellen Wilson

Judith Ellen Wilson obituary, Olathe, KS

Judith Ellen Wilson

Judith Wilson Obituary

Visit the Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals & Receptions - Olathe website to view the full obituary.

Judith Ellen (Wentworth) Wilson was born in Monroe Michigan, the daughter of Herbert Barker Wentworth and Nellie Virginia (Vance) Wentworth. She was the third of four sisters and grew up in southern Idaho. She graduated from Nampa high school and Northwest Nazarene College then continued her studies at the Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City. There she met and married Ronald Edwin Wilson on May 20, 1967 in the chapel of the seminary.

She invested her life with her husband of 58 years in Pastoral Ministry and served with him at Vennard College for 11 years in educating young people for Christian Service. The Wilson family grew with the birth of Jennifer Ann in 1970, Mark Andrew in 1971 and Michelle Joy in 1976. She contributed to the finances of the family with supportive jobs including teaching elementary school and working for Johnson County Community College, Nursing department.

Her life was marked by her love of music and love of writing both prose and poetry, all in the service of Christ and his Church. She enjoyed singing, playing the cello, violin, piano and organ. She often played among the musicians, at College Church with great enjoyment. She wrote a book called Drawing From The Well, self-published in 1995. She was also active in the Olathe Christian Writers Guild where she contributed to the publication of Passages which includes her work among other guild writers.

She traveled with her husband in the early days of retirement, enjoying 14 cruises and saw much of our beautiful world. Sadly, illness sidelined her as dementia took its toll for more than five years. She then had a stroke just after the new year, which sent her to the hospital, but after a brief stay in rehab, complications from the stroke finally ended her earthly ministry.

She is survived by many who loved her dearly, including her husband, three children-Jennifer, Mark and Michelle, two sisters-Carole Richmond and Debbie Bullard and four grandchildren-Clayton Wilson, Isaac Wilson, Nicholas Edwards and Amaris Wilson and a great-granddaughter Oakley Wilson. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Susan Ward, grandson Caleb Wilson and infant great-grandson Oliver Wilson.

She will be remembered for her bright spiritual insights, her hearty laugh, and her ready and willing service in the church. She had a love for everyone and lived in a sincere walk with Jesus, her Savior and Lord. Doubtless she will be involved in the music of heaven any way she can. Her prayer was that Christ’s light may shine through her life. Heaven is enriched by her contributions here on Earth.

Let us follow her Godly example and leave a positive mark for Christ in this needy world.

Her family will receive guests for a visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at College Church of The Nazarene - Uphaus Hall, 2020 E Sheridan St, Olathe, KS 66062, with a service following at 11:00 a.m.

Anyone wishing to leave a memorial gift in lieu of flowers, we suggest a gift to The Mercy Project by mail at College Church of the Nazarene, 2020 E. Sheridan St, Olathe, KS, 66062, by calling at 913-764-4575 or online at www.collegechurch.com.


To leave a special message for her family or to share a memory of Judy, please visit the guestbook below.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Make a Donation
in Judith Wilson's name

How to support Judith's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Judith Wilson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more