Judy Ruth Smith, 71, of Burlington, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2026 surrounded by her daughters. She was born November 23, 1954, in Winfield, Kansas, to Russel Ward and Sophia (Bradshaw) Ward.

Judy eventually made her home in Burlington, where she found her calling at the middle school, first as a paraprofessional and later as a full-time substitute teacher. She never saw her students as just a classroom; they were her “kiddos,” and she found joy in helping them succeed. 

A quiet and stubborn soul, Judy found joy in her flower garden. She also had a wonderful spirit of adventure. She loved getting away with family and friends, and she never said no to a shopping trip or a vacation.

Her greatest joys were her kiddos: her students, her daughters, Arielle (Steven) Lenihan and Shara Strawder, and her grandchildren, Alexia, Leyton, and Addison.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Russel and Sophia Ward, and her sister, Martha Neu. She is survived by her daughters, Arielle Lenihan and Shara Strawder; her grandchildren, Alexia, Leyton, and Addison; and her brother, Russel Ward II.