Julia Elane "Judy" Witmer (née Armstrong) passed away May 17, 2026.

She was born on December 8, 1943 to Lyle and Hazel (Browning) Armstrong in Harris, Missouri, joining siblings Lyla and Kenneth. She grew up a farmer's daughter and a preacher's kid. After attending school in a class with three Julia's, she became known as Judy. However, she was affectionately known as 'Pug' by her father and brother.

A lifelong Christian, she was a member of Clarence Christian Church in Clarence, Mo. from 4th grade until she was 18, where her father, Lyle, was the minister. She graduated from Clarence High School in 1961, where she was in choir and played defense for the girl's 6v6 basketball team. She enjoyed music, singing and basketball for the rest of her life. She loved March Madness. She was a stay at home mom, sold Avon and was a manager at Hardee's. She worked for Farm Credit Services for 26 years (where she taught herself shorthand), as an executive assistant, loan officer, and VP (one of her proudest accomplishments). She was a self-taught piano player, cook, cleaner, kid wrangler, household CEO, life coach, fan, and supporter. She crocheted, did jigsaw puzzles, liked to read, watch YouTube and loved to collect Knick Knacks. She loved hanging out (both asleep on a couch) with her longtime friend, Kathy. She watched countless amateur sporting events with her friend Sue. Her house was widely reported to not be a gymnasium, though that has been debated.

Judy had six kids: Christina, Russell Jr (Heather), Kyle (Debby), Stacy (Carrie), Darla Jo, and Missy; 12 grandchildren: Cari (Abe), Brandon, David, Amanda, Hannah (Drew), Brennan (Ri), Julia (Adam), Emma, Chelsea (Lucas), Mariah, Luke (Elizabeth), Jenna; 10 great-grandchildren: Jayden, Braeden, Nataleigh, Tayden, Paige, Mavis, Piper, Carolyn, Winnifred, Geoffrey.

Judy was pre-deceased by her father, Lyle; mother, Hazel; sister, Lyla; brother, Kenneth; infant daughter, Darla Jo; granddaughter, Amanda; and great-grandson, Braeden.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation rights were provided by Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Judy will be laid to rest in Maplewood Cemetery in Clarence, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital