Judith (Judy) K. Church

Judith Katherine Church (Judy) died on August 6th 2026. Judy enjoyed many friends from diverse backgrounds and countries. Family and friends held the utmost importance in her life. Despite living most of her life in the US, she maintained strong connections with her New Zealand family, where in Invercargill she was born in 1940. 

Judy was an active community member and businesswoman. Throughout her life she was a member of numerous organizations and charities. Judy was particularly devoted to the Air Force Association (AFA). She was especially proud to have been the first women to be elected as National Secretary of the AFA. Judy became an expert on fine vintage china after years of passionate collecting and sales. 

While her many accomplishments were notable, Judy will most be remembered for the impact she had on the lives of others. An intelligent and witty woman, Judy had the rare gift of making those around her feel comfortable, seen, valued, and appreciated. She was kind and generous, always there with an empathic ear, offering support and encouragement however she could. It was not the things you have in life, but the people you are able to share your life’s journey with that mattered most to Judy.

Judy had two children, Megan and Tony with her first husband, and life long advocate Dr Barry Rutherford. In her second marriage to Charles (Chuck) Church she became mother to Charles Jr and Sarah, and grandmother to Courtney Church. In her long-term partnership with William (Bill) Burns she became an important figure in the lives of Melissa Clozs, Kelly Loyd, and Chista (Christy) Burns, and to Bill’s granddaughters Katlin Closz and Breanna Loyd. Judy cherished her relationships with all these “children” and for the opportunity to be part of their lives. 

Judy was preceded in death by Tony Rutherford, Sarah Church, Charles Church and William Burns. 

Judy will be remembered as a stylish, uplifting, vivacious woman who loved and lived life to the fullest with a song in her heart and a zip in her step. The world will be less vibrant without her.

Please join us for a celebration of Judy’s well-lived life on Friday, Sept. 4th from 4-6:30 at the Carriage Club Kansas City, 5301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64112.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Judy Church’s memory.

To leave a special message for Judy's family or to share a memory of Judy, please visit the guestbook below.