Judy Otto

Judy Otto, 66 of Drexel, Missouri passed away Monday, August 25, 2025 at her home in Drexel. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Friday, August 29, 2025 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816-657-4400). Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am Friday also at the chapel. Burial will take place at Sharon Cemetery, Drexel. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
Judith 'Judy' Lynn Thomas Otto was born on April 10th, 1959 in Paola, Kansas, the daughter of Herbert Edwin Thomas and Betsy Lou Zimmerlee Thomas. She grew up in Drexel, attending the very first Drexel Kindergarten class and graduating from Drexel High School in 1977. After graduation, Judy married classmate Joe Otto and became a military wife, living around the country for a few years before settling back down in Drexel. To this union, two children were born. Jamie Theresa arrived in 1978, followed by Jeremy Todd in 1985.
Judy put many miles on many vehicles driving back and forth to the IRS building where she worked as a tax examiner for 29 years before retiring in June of 2024. To celebrate her retirement, she took a beach vacation with her kids and grandkids. Although technically retired, she spent the last year in her most favorite role of Grandma. She got the opportunity to spend half of her days with her two most favorite people in the world, her grandchildren Daylen Todd and Savannah Jo.
Judy loved her family fiercely! She would talk constantly about her grandkids and proudly wear tee-shirts declaring her love for them. She hosted Friday night dinners for her kids and grandkids where she enjoyed cooking their favorite meals and watching them play games and spend time together.
Anyone who is Facebook friends with Judy knows she started counting down to Christmas on December 26th, she was recently on the hunt for the perfect pork tenderloin sandwich, she wanted to be at the beach, and she kept everyone updated on the Chiefs' score and how they were playing throughout the game.
Judy loved her Kansas City Chiefs and made sure to cheer for them every game. She was also the biggest cheerleader for anyone lucky enough to call her Mom, Grandma Juee, or Aunt Judith. Those titles meant the world to her and she showed up for her people and supported them in whatever they did.
She was preceded in death by her Maternal grandparents, Kelsey and Charlene Zimmerlee and her Paternal grandparents, Herbert S. and Bessie Thomas.
Judy is survived by her daughter Jamie Otto, son Jeremy Otto, grandchildren Daylen and Savannah Otto, parents Herby and Betsy Thomas, sister Barb Thomas, brothers Rick (Susan) Thomas and Bobby (Jennifer) Thomas, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and extended family.