Judy Kay (Vinyard) Maldonado
Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute
Judy Kay (Vinyard) Maldonado, 68, Indpendence, Missouri passed away April 3, 2018. A memorial gathering will be held 1:00 – 3:00 PM, Saturday, April 14, 2018 at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, Missouri.
She was born June 14, 1949 in Kansas City, Missouri. Judy was the glue that held her family together. She was willing to help anyone that needed anything. Judy was sociable, talkative, and hilarious. Her smile and the twinkle in her eye would make your day a million times better.
Judy had three children and two grandsons. She was so proud of them. This May, her youngest daughter, will be the first of her family to receive a Bachelors degree. She also helped raise her younger siblings. In the late 1960’s, the family moved to New York City. She had various jobs like dog walking and dog grooming for Elizabeth Taylor and other celebrities. She also was a shoe buyer for Gimbals Department store.
After moving back to Kansas City, she started working in the hotel business. Over 25 years, she worked her way up from server to Banquet Manager to a fill in General Manager at times and everything in between. Since retirement, she has been able to travel around the country with her crazy kids to conventions. She was able to meet and flirt with celebrities, went to movie filming locations, ate at famous restaurants, and talked to people from all corners of the earth. She was looking forward to a trip to Florida to visit her oldest daughter for her 69th birthday. She has told everyone that these last years driving around the country has been a life fulfilling adventure.
She was preceded in death by: parents, John W. Vinyard and Betty Jean (Agnew) Vinyard; sisters, Patricia Haugmo & Susie Denise Vinyard. Survivors include: Luis Maldonado, son and 1st born; Julia Maldonado, daughter and 2nd born; Susie Maldonado, daughter and youngest; Noah Maldonado-Minor, Julia’s son and her oldest grandson; Brendan Ellis, Luis’ son and her grandson; Baby Jean Vinyard, sister; James Vinyard, brother; John Vinyard, brother and his wife Linda; Grace Buck, sister and her husband Loren “Bucky”; Michael Vinyard, brother and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and special friends.
Worked with Judy at Park Place Hotel when I was Banquet Manager. Was alwsys a plesure working with her. Very pleasant always and very helpful.
GInny Mandacina
Judy was and is the best!!! Always full of love and wonderful stories. We will all see her again one day for a celebration of forever life. All my love Marcia and Danny Hiestand-Vinyard
Not only was Judy a mother to three kids. She was also a mother to her kids friends. Judy would do anything she could to make your life better and she loved her kids and grandkids dearly! She will be missed by many and loved by all forever!
Deepest sympathy to Suzie and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your during this sad time. Love, Carol P.
Sending my condolences to the entire family thru the years haven’t really stayed in touch as much as should have but Judy Kay was always helping others and always happy when I saw her with family .My heart breaks for her children as well as her siblings as all so well know the pain they’re going thru with her loss .Go fly high Judy Kay and know you’ll not be forgotten .
Susie and family,
Our prayers are with you through this difficult time. I too lost my best friend, my father, suddenly. The loss is great, but remember Judy is in the best place living in her mansion. What more can I say, Judy was a joy to know. Whatever will I do without her Facebook presence? May god bless you through this tiime of deep sorrow and sadness. The small things will bring the biggest joy and sadness as you keep her memories close by.