Judith “Judy” Louise Ness
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Judith “Judy” Louise (Roberts) Ness, 72, Raytown, Missouri, beloved wife of John Ness, passed away November 17, 2017. A memorial gathering will be held 1-3 PM, Friday, November 24, 2017 at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Hospice, 3516 Summit, Kansas City, MO 64111.
Judy was born November 19, 1944 on the same day her father, Orlando Roberts died in World War II. She was also preceded in death by; mother, Marjorie Conway Roberts Webb and her stepfather, Woodrow Webb. Judy is survived by; husband of 47 years, John Ness; sister, Linda (Conrad) Bowers; nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; and friend since childhood Celia and her husband, Chuck Wobbe and many friends.
Judy graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1962. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Central Missouri and a masters degree from the University of Missouri. Judy had a distinguished career in Community Relations/Public Affairs with utility companies in the Kansas City area. When the power went out, it was Judy’s face you saw on TV. She retired from KCP&L. She was very active in Rotary, Raytown Chamber of Commerce and was named Truman Heartland “Citizen of the Year” in 1998. She enjoyed traveling, golf, and she and John divided their time between their homes in Florida and Raytown. (arr. Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, 816-313-1677)
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Judy was the most awesome person. She loved her community and we loved her. John – know that we are here for you and if there is anything you need, we are only a phone call away. Hugs to you, Vicki & Kris
Judy was one of the people who made MPS/Aquila a great place to work. As the de facto MPS historian, she was a wealth of information and always knew the backstory. And those backstories were often incredible. She is greatly missed.
At MPS/Aquila, Judy was always the voice of reason, and a calming and steady hand. She remembered absolutely everything, and what she didn’t already know, she would find out for you. I loved our times talking about each of our trips to Disney World. I’ve never met 2 adults that loved that magical place more than she and John. I’m unsure how long Judy has been in poor health, but it wouldn’t surprise me at all if she found some way to already send her Christmas cards out. She was like clockwork with those, no matter how long it had been since she had seen or talked to you.
Rest in Peace Judy…you were a wonderful person and co-worker!!!
Judy was the nicest lady. I never ran into her without seeing a smile on her face. She will be missed by many!
I met Judy during the former UtiliCorp division days while at WestPlains Energy and quickly found her to be a wealth of knowledge and someone with a positive attitude. As we brought the UCU divisions together, Judy and I had the opportunity to work together more, enjoy a round of golf from time to time and in just about any setting, Judy’s demeanor was always positive. While our paths no longer connected post Aquila, I have enjoyed hearing updates from the former team many of us were blessed with — very seldom does it happen when co-workers are true friends and like family, Judy certainly was instrumental in that regard. Rest in peace. Thoughts & Prayers with John and the family.
My heart is broken. Judy became my mentor when I was President of the Chamber, and I valued her advice and friendship more than anyone will ever know. So many wonderful times my husband Jim and I spent with Judy and John, and Chuck and Celia, laughing the entire evening. John, I am so very sorry for your loss and there are no words to describe the sadness that we all feel. I’m here, my friend, if you need anything. I will miss my friend deeply.
As I said before, Heaven received a very special gift when God took her there. She was the most wonderful friend, and greatest boss. Her smile was infectious, and was always ready to take time to visit and support her employees. I never heard an unkind word from Judy. I pray for every day for God to help John cope. If you ever needed anything, I will be there for you, John.
A very sweet person we all enjoyed seeing and being around at Raytown Rotary.
I worked with Judy during the Utilicorp/Aquila days. She was always the consummate professional. But more importantly, I remember her most as a kind, caring and compassionate human being. Always positive. Always smiling. She leaves a legacy we should all strive for.
My thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time.
Great lady of Raytown! Judy and John have a special place in Peggy and my hearts!
Good bless you John!
I worked with Judy many years at Mopub, Utilicorp and Aquila and along John with we had a lot of great times working Chamber events. Such a gracious lady and as others mentioned very knowledgeable about everything. We will all miss her very much. So sorry John for what you are going through and if there is anything I can don’t hesitate old buddy.
Such a gracious lady and good soul. Praying for you, John, and your family and friends.
Judy, was one of the first ladies that greeted me with a smile and gentle hug, when I started at Mopub 38 years ago. She stayed the course and always had a kind word for anyone she met. She was a true mentor for I at Mopub. I’m certain, she will be greatly missed by many. To her family, Thank you, for sharing her with all of us, she was a national treasure for many of us women who was trying to succeed in the workforce. Our thoughts and prayers are with John and the family.
As a new person working in Raytown in 2010 Judy was one of the first folks in Rotary and Chamber to help me learn the history of Raytown and the YMCA. I know she will be missed, my thoughts are prayers go out to John, their friends and family.
When you cast your bread upon the water, you never know who downstream you will impact. I was greatly blessed and impacted by Judy Ness. Judy had a brilliant mind but never made anyone feel less than her. She had a gracious spirit. Even in the midst of difficult work situations, she did not let her emotions speak. She was always kind. She always maintained professionalism. Judy took me under her wing and allowed me to learn from her. I am forever grateful. John, my heart aches for you and I want you to know I am praying the Lord will give you His peace that surpasses all understanding. This world is not our home, we are just passing through! Mark and I respect you and Judy so much! May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He make His face to shine upon You. May He show you His favor and give you His peace. Go in the grace of the Lord. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need anything.
What a gift for us to have shared in such a beautiful person’s life. She will be missed. Jeff Kinman & Christine White
Judy was a great lady. She will be greatly missed by many.
Judy was one of the first women I met when I joined Rotary. She was a role model for me and always, always possessed class, substance and style. I am certainly a better person for her example. I thank her family for sharing her with Rotary, and my sympathies and prayers are with the extended Ness family.
Judy has been a valued asset of our Raytown Community for many many years. She has served very well in many capacities with grace and professionalism. We will miss her and were fortunate to have known her. She will be missed by many. Thank you Judy for all you have done for us. Our heart goes out to John with prayers for him and the family.
There is not much more that I can say that hasn’t already been said. Judy was a lady of kindness and sincerity. Judy always made time to say hello to me and made me feel I mattered. I will always cherish her friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Table 3 at Hillcrest was a favorite place for Judy – and I enjoyed seeing her there.
I am sure there is a Golf Course in Heaven—She’ll have a new 18 hole to play!!!
Love you both!
Shirley Dodson
I worked with Judy from the time she started at MoPub and it was obvious from the start she was one of the good ones. She was always able to put a good spin on every thing she wrote and never had a bad word to say about anyone. When things went to hell we all called on Judy to find the words to make the situation better. That was the way she handled her job and her personal life. When Rotary International first started allowing women in Rotary I was the one that sponsored Judy into the Raytown club. I am sure that was the best thing I ever did for that club. She will be missed by everyone.
I worked with Judy on many PR events and Chamber functions while at Mo Pub , Aquila . Even got her up in the helicopter once for pictures . She loved it . She was always pleasant to be and work with . She will be missed .
Judy was always the person to send the first Christmas card, the first Birthday card, the first I’m thinking of you card…she always got it just right. John, me and Jimmy Buffet are holding you tight. Thank you universe for giving all of us Judy. The best trivial pursuit player the world has ever seen, the best best friend to my Mom, the most dedicated steward to her community, and above all else the wife and best friend to John. Tom and I send you all our love and our deepest condolences.
Shocked and very sorry, we have lost one classy lady. John, you are in Sarah and my prayers.
I am so thankful to have had Judy in my life and be able to call her my dear friend. She will be missed by many. My prayers John to you and the family.
Judy had taught me much about the utility business, and I will sadly miss her. I am thankful I got to know her. My prayers are with you John and family.
May the good Lord be with Judy’s family. I just found out today of her passing. I also worked with Judy while with UtiliCorp/Aquila. Such a classy lady but she always embraced me as part of the Community Relations team and made me feel so welcome. I will never forget the dinners we “ladies” had together after meetings. Such special memories of some special ladies – Jan Davis, Larissa Long, Jan Zimmers, Judy Ness likely a few others and little old me. May God hold you in his arms and welcome you into His Heavenly Kingdom.