Judy Kay Hawkins

Judy Smith was born on October 30, 1957, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Lucille Mary Reinsch Smith, a homemaker, and Donald Richmond Smith, Maintenance Manager at Cushman Motor. She was a beloved daughter who grew up in a loving home and was a lifelong member of St. Patrick Catholic Church (Havelock), attending alongside her parents.

Judy's early education began at St. Patrick's Elementary All-Girls School and continued at Robin Mickle Middle School and Northeast High School in Lincoln. At Northeast, she was active on the swim team and pep club and was involved in Campus Life Youth for Christ with many close friends. During high school, she worked as a waitress at Alice's Restaurant, where she became so skilled and hardworking that she saved enough money—with a little help from her dad—to buy her first car, a new green Dodge Dart.

She attended the University of Nebraska, majoring in Mathematics and Computers, where she met Mike Hawkins. The two were married in 1978 and eventually moved to Manhattan, Kansas, to help Mike's parents start a transmission repair business. After their divorce in 1997, Judy focused on her career and education, earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Management from Kansas State University.

In 1999, Judy met Garrett Dugan at a bowling league. The two quickly formed a deep bond, moving in together and later becoming common-law husband and wife. Together they built a beautiful home in Kansas City, Kansas, a testament to their shared vision and love.

Judy had a fulfilling career, working 14 years at Hughes Machinery as an Inside Sales Associate and later as a Project Coordinator at Kiewit Engineering Group. Known for her intelligence, charm, and work ethic, she was respected and loved by her colleagues.

Judy had a passion for travel and adventure. She and Garrett explored Italy, rode motorcycles with friends, and spent treasured time in their side-by-side ATV—riding across sand dunes and through the mountains of Colorado when the aspens were in full autumn glory. She found peace in nature, especially in watching the birds from their window—cardinals being her favorite.

She had a special love for animals and cared for many over the years, including cats, dogs, and horses. Judy had a joyful spirit, a radiant smile, and a beautiful, happy laugh. She had a great sense of style and a hobby of collecting clothes. Her favorite day to get groceries was when they put out all the sample trays--"such yummy goodies," she would say, and strike up conversation with anyone.

She loved her wine tasting dinners with Garrett, and she gave back to the community by donating blood whenever she could. Playing games with family and friends was a great passion of hers with bunko being one of her favorites.

Her memory lives on through the love she shared, the laughter she spread, and the lives she touched.

Survivors include her husband Garrett Dugan, stepson Brandon Dugan, mother-in-law Rosalie Dugan, and sister- in-law Shari Evans.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 to 7:30, Thursday, August 7th, at Sawyer Funeral Home, 137 N Union, Council Grove, KS 66846. Funeral services will be at 2:00, Friday, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 300 Spencer St., Council Grove, KS 66846.

Memorial contributions may be made to Swanson’s Streamway Dog Park and Daycare, with donation written on the memo line. They may be sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove, KS 66846.