Judith "Judy" Lynn Peterson

Judith “Judy” Lynn (Thomas) Peterson of Andover, Kansas passed to her heavenly home on January 20, 2026, at the age of 87. She was born on July 30, 1938, in Commerce, Oklahoma to William H. Thomas and Violet P. (Clayton) Thomas.

Judy graduated from Wilsey High School in Wilsey, Kansas, in 1956. After graduation, she moved to Wichita, Kansas where she was employed with Mid Kansas Federal Savings and Loan for several years. Judy married her high school sweetheart, Loren Peterson in the Wilsey Christian Church on February 14, 1960.

Judy was a loving and devoted mother to three children, Darcy, Darin, and Lory. The family made their homes in Wichita, Manhattan, Herrington, Wilsey, and Council Grove, before settling in Anthony, Kansas in July of 1973. She was an active member of Christian churches wherever they lived, where she shared her musical talents, taught Sunday School, and led women’s ministry groups. She was a member of the Socias Women’s Club, where she held many different offices.

After her children were grown, Judy worked as Public Relations and Marketing Representative for KanOkla Telephone Association. Judy enjoyed traveling and accompanied her husband on many business trips. Upon Loren’s retirement in 1993, they became full-time RVers and traveled throughout the country for 17 years. They visited family, traced their family roots, and served as hosts at several campgrounds.

Judy was a talented artist and creatively gifted. She loved making floral arrangements, greeting cards, and decorating for special occasions. Gifts from her were highly anticipated for the care she took in the wrapping, making each one unique and special.

Family meant everything to Judy, and she always looked forward to family gatherings. Her greatest joy in life was being a grandmother to her eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She was extremely proud of each of them and made every effort to attend all their special events. She took extra care to create individual special moments with each of her grandchildren.

Judy was preceded in death by the love of her life, Loren, just two months ago on November 20, 2025; her father in 1990, her mother in 1993; her sister, Billie Sprecker in 2020; and her brother, Monte Thomas in 2020.

She is survived by daughter, Darcy (Scott) Eads of Andover, Kansas; son, Darin Peterson of Yukon, Oklahoma; daughter, Lory (Glen) Adams of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Tyanne (Garrett) Hellums, Kyle (Loic Bourdeau) Adams, Alex (Evi) Eads, Kaitlyn Eads, Grant Eads, Corbin Peterson, Chandler (Maria) Peterson, and Cooper Peterson; great-grandchildren, Hudson and Hendrix Hellums, and Santiago Peterson; one sister-in-law, Linda Hanson; and numerous other relatives.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Celebration of Life for Loren and Judy Peterson will take place at the Grace Presbyterian Church, 5002 E Douglas Avenue, in Wichita, Kansas on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in their memory can be made to the Down Syndrome Society of Wichita, 734 S. Washington Ave, Wichita, Kansas 67211-2426; or the Wilsey Christian Church, 215 N. 3^rd St, Wilsey, Kansas 66873.