Judith Ann LaPanne, 79, of Joplin, Mo., died Thursday, April 27, 2023. Born February 21, 1944 in Galena, Judith was the daughter of Everett Jimerson and Imogene (Duncan) Jimerson. She grew up in Galena and attended Galena Schools. Judy graduated from Franklin Tech in Joplin, Mo. with her degree as an IV Certified Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked for Baxter Memorial Hospital and local pediatrician, Dr. Wheeler.
Judith and Donald N. LaPanne were united in marriage December 22, 1962. Don loved to spin Judy around the dance floor, where enjoyed everything from the elegance of the waltz to the energy of jitterbug and even the traditional steps of square dancing. They never missed an opportunity to hit the dance floor and share a special moment together. Their love of dance was a reflection of the deep connection they shared and it will be remembered fondly by all who knew them.
A foodie, cookie maker and casino hopper, Judy enjoyed traveling with her husband, and was a member of the Eastern Star. Judy and Don were devoted gardeners and loved spending time with their family. She shared many laughs with her grandkids over her casino stories and became the napping buddy of her great-grandson, who brought her much joy. Judy looked forward to her daily phone calls with her grandkids and as she became more tech-savvy, she looked forward to their frequent FaceTimes. She always laughed as she became the main subject of their family Snapchat stories and the joy she felt from connecting with her loved ones was immeasurable.
She enjoyed playing games and hosting game nights, sharing her love of gambling and being everyone’s biggest cheerleader. She really enjoyed making cookies and other desserts, but most of all, eating them! If you were lucky enough to hear her catchphrase “damn that was good” after a particularly delicious meal or dessert, you knew it was something truly special. Her warmth, infectious laughter and vibrant personality will be deeply missed by all who knew her. The memory of her unwavering love for her family will remain a source of comfort to all those who were lucky enough to be a part of her life.
In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Donald N. LaPanne who died August 26, 2022; a brother, Alfred Jimerson, and a sister, Mary Cox.
Judy is survived by her daughters, Ginger Sweet (husband Jeff) of Carl Junction, Mo., Tammy Blaylock (husband Wayne) of Seneca, Mo., and Candy Mallatt (husband Brent of Flagler Beach,Fla.; grandchildren Joshua Sweet (wife Desi) of Carl Junction, Mo., Darcy Sweet (fiancé Jeremy) of St. Louis, Mo., Madison Blaylock (husband Kenzo van Baal) of San Diego, Calif., Olivia Blaylock of Los Angeles, Calif., Chloe Blaylock Clifton (husband Kylar) of San Diego, Calif., Amelia Mallatt of Fort. Myers, Fla. and Levi Mallatt (fiancé Seda Harutyunyan) of Seattle, Wash.; great-grandson, Rush Ryan Donald Sweet; sisters, Addie Wald of Carterville, Mo., Lula Koethe of Guttenburg, Iowa, Linda Watkins of Galena and Sherry Shaw of Joplin, Mo.; a brother, Everett “Junior” Jimerson of Joplin, Mo.; several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, and she was a grandparent to numerous foreign exchange students over the years who loved her dearly.
In honor of her passion for hosting and welcoming loved ones, we invite all who knew and loved Judy to celebrate her life with us at a gathering Monday May 22 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at her family home. We will share stories and memories over a meal in the company of those who cherished her.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.