Judy Eileen Klodt, 78, of Pittsburg, died at 10:45 p.m., Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Stratford Commons in Overland Park after a long struggle with cancer. Born June 27, 1945 in rural Columbus shortly before the end of World War II, Judy was the second youngest child of Percy Clinton Montee and Laura Lucindia Hughes. There were two boys and 10 girls.
Judy spent the majority of her life living in various towns in southeastern Kansas. Cherokee where she lived the longest, had the greatest hold over her and she referred to it as her hometown. By all accounts Judy lived a quiet, simple life. Her life was centered around family, friends and the various jobs she held. She was an ardent Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan and enjoyed playing the slots at casinos when the opportunity availed itself, but also loved playing Bingo.
Judy will be remembered for many things of noteworthiness, she was as an avid bargain hunter known for frequenting flea markets, garage sales and second-hand stores in search of the “deal”. She had a great love of pets; was an excellent cook known for her “down-home” cooking and sumptuous holiday feasts.
Judy was a loving and caring mother and grandmother. She had a kind heart and was quick to give and help others which served her well in a caretaker role later in life.
Judy’s mother died while she was still in high school. Her father worked in the coal mines that dotted that region of the state and afterwards in a greenhouse for a decade. The family struggled financially for many years with the demands of a large family shaping in no small way who Judy was in her later years. Judy graduated from Southeast High School (Lancers), in Cherokee with the class of 1963.
After graduation, Judy worked for Bell South for roughly a decade as a telephone operator. During this period, she met John Leo Klodt “cruising” the streets in Kansas City as the popular pastime was referred to in those times. Judy loved listening and collected Elvis Presley memorabilia. Shortly after their meeting, John left for Germany where he was stationed for a year as part of his service in the United States Army. The two corresponded via mail until John’s return stateside and after a brief whirlwind romance were married at St. Pius V Catholic Student Center at Pittsburg State University June 22, 1968. Judy, who had grown up Methodist converted to Catholicism and fell in love with Angels. She was 22 years old and John 23 when they were married. Their daughter Lori was born in October 1969 and John Thomas followed in May 1975.
Judy contented herself with the traditional role of wife, mother and homemaker for a period. The couple parted ways in 1985 and Judy returned to Kansas to be close to her sisters settling in Pittsburg. Eventually Judy went back to work as a Home Health Aide, obtaining her Certified Nursing Assistant license, an accomplishment she was most proud of achieving, until she retired.
Judy is survived by her children: Lori (husband Jim McGillivary) and John (Chesney Ward); her sisters: Pat Favero, Barbara Humble and Lanna Loftus and her grandson James Ryan McGillivary.
The family will receive friends from 1p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Friday, November 3, at Our Lady Lourdes Catholic Church, 109 E. 9th St., Pittsburg, followed by a rosary to be prayed at 1:45 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Father Chris Rumback as celebrant. Inurnment will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 11 at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, Mo. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Boy Scout Troop 218 of Overland Park, KS; or Legion of Mary – Ascension Catholic Church of Overland Park, KS; or St. Mary’s Catholic School Choir of Fort Scott. These may be left at or mailed to Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Arrangements are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg.