Judith R. Hart

St. Marys-Judith R. "Judy" Hart, age 77, passed away late on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at a hospital in Topeka.

Born on December 27, 1946, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Judy was the daughter of Celestino and Carmen Rios. Her father's service in the United States Army led the family to live in various places including the Canal Zone, Germany, Colorado Springs, and Manhattan. Judy graduated from Manhattan High School and furthered her education at Kansas State University, earning both her BA and MA degrees.

Judy dedicated her professional life to elementary education, beginning with a year of teaching in Denton, Kansas, before joining the faculty of USD 321 Kaw Valley School District. She taught in Rossville, Delia, and spent many fulfilling years at St. Marys before retiring. She mentored well over 500 students during her 35 years educating and found great joy in watching them go on to fulfilling lives of their own. Judy was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, NEA, KNEA, and NEA-Retired, as well as the St. Marys Literary Club. She also attended the St. Marys United Methodist Church.

Preceded in death by her parents, Judy is survived by her husband, Larry Hart, whom she married on May 31, 1975, in St. Marys. Larry resides at their home. She is also survived by a son, James S. (Shanda) Hart, of Tuscaloosa, AL; a daughter, Tammy (Pat) Friedl, of Olathe; her sister, Wilma (Richard) Perry, of Manhattan; and a granddaughter, Harper Hart.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, February 2, 2024, at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys, with burial following in Valley View Cemetery, St. Marys.  Judy will lie in state, and the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Judy's honor may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation - Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536.