Judith Ann Slawson

Judith Ann Slawson was born July 5, 1935, in Winfield, Kansas, the oldest daughter of Roger K. and Lois M. Garver. She passed away on Monday, July 12, 2021, after a struggle with ovarian cancer. She was raised in Kansas City, Missouri, where she attended Southwest High School. She then went to the University of Kansas, where she was the 1955 Jayhawker Yearbook Queen, pledged Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, and caught the eye of Donald C. Slawson. They married in February 1955 and settled in Wichita. Together they raised three sons, and traveled extensively, but Pelican Lake, Minnesota was her “Tara.” There the family spent many summers out of the Kansas heat. Judy was a pretty good boat driver in her day as the boys learned to water ski. Judy loved all wildlife, an enthusiasm inherited from her father, Roger, a true outdoorsman. She loved cats of all sizes but especially loved the big cats which were the focus of her two trips to Africa with family and friends. Judy was the impetus behind the Slawson Family Tiger Trek at the Sedgwick County Zoo. She recently expanded that exhibit to include Amur leopards and snow leopards - the first at the zoo. She also loved antiques and decorating as well as gardening and all flowers as her back yard would attest. Judy was also a key supporter of the Wichita Art Museum, Wichita Music Theatre and Botanica. She loved attending her book club, stock club, and several bridge groups. She was of course a big KU fan, and attended many basketball games with Don and sons Craig and Todd, fellow Jayhawkers. She was loved dearly by her many friends. The family wishes to especially thank her many caring friends and of course, her sister Sandy Remsberg, for their unwavering help in her last months. In addition, heartfelt thanks to her main caregivers, Maria Reyes, Cheryl Robinson, Carla Crockett, Christy Lane and Serenity Home Health Care. Judy was preceded in death by her husband of over 59 years, Don Slawson. She is survived by her sons, Steve (Linda) of Nichols Hills, OK, and their children, Katie, John (Ashley), and Rob, along with great granddaughter, Luna; Craig (Denise) of Greenwood Village, CO, and their children, Taryn and Megan (Tiel); and Todd (Lien) of Denver, CO. She is also survived by her sister, Sandy (Jim) Remsberg and her three daughters who also were incredibly helpful, Dana Scott, Jill McGee, and Jennifer Remsberg. A memorial service and musical remembrance will be held at Plymouth Congregational Church in Wichita on Friday, July 16 at 1:00 p.m. Ladies, please honor Judy’s memory by wearing a dress in one of the colors of her garden. There will be a reception immediately following at the Wichita Country Club. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Kansas Humane Society or one of Judy’s other favorite organizations. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.