Judy Kay (Howard) Mathews
June 16, 1939-October 9, 2025
Judy Kay (Howard) Mathews, daughter of Marvin Harold and Edyth Marie (Swarts) Howard, was born June 16, 1939 at home in Moulton, Iowa and passed away on October 9, 2025 at the Schuyler County Nursing Home in Queen City, Missouri, where she had been a resident since 2015. Judy was 86 years old.
She was married to Vernon Dale Mathews on June 1, 1958 in Moulton, Iowa and to this union one daughter, Kimberly Kay was born.
Judy is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Taylor (Johnny) of Bradyville, Tennessee; one granddaughter, Rachel Taylor of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; three sisters, Joan Davis of Centerville, Iowa, Jean Moore of Coatsville, Missouri and Ramona (Larry) Harrington of Boone, Iowa; one brother, Glen (Carol) Howard of Moulton, Iowa; one sister-in-law, Lois Howard of Oskaloosa, Iowa; several nieces, nephews and cousins including special friends Kim (John) Beeler and Heather (Kevin) Western and their families.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vernon Dale Mathews on December 7, 1994; one brother, Jack Howard; two brothers-in-law, Don Davis and Doyle Moore; one niece, Barbara Stephanie and two nephews, Todd Harrington and Marvin John Howard.
After graduating Moulton Community Schools in 1956 in Moulton, Iowa, Judy worked for the Clerk of Court in Centerville, Iowa. After getting married, Judy and Dale moved to Kansas City, Missouri. Upon returning to the Lancaster area, Dale and Judy purchased the Lancaster Cleaners in Lancaster, Missouri. After selling the business, Judy worked at a dry cleaner in Kirksville, Missouri. After retiring, Judy found her true calling in caring for children in her home for twenty plus years. Judy served as a board member for the Lancaster Housing Authority for a number of years. She was a charter member of the Friendship Community Church in Lancaster, Missouri where she attended as long as her health permitted. Judy was a great cook and enjoyed hosting wonderful holiday parties for the children and families in her care. She was an avid sports fan who found great joy in watching her family and the children she cared for in daycare participate in sports. She also loved spending time outdoors, fishing with the kids at the farm.
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Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Norman Funeral Home in Lancaster, Missouri with Pastor Brian Hargrave of the Moulton Christian Church officiating. Pallbearers will be Glen Howard, Rex Davis, Chris Davis, Lloyd Davis, Chad Howard and Ryan Howard. Honorary pallbearer will be Charles Davis. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Memorials have been established for the Schuyler County Library in Lancaster, Missouri. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by logging on to normanfh.com. Burial will be at Arni Memorial Cemetery in Lancaster, Missouri. Arrangements are under the direction of Norman Funeral Home in Lancaster, Missouri.