Judy Mae Kuntz

Judy Mae Kuntz, 82, passed away on May 3, 2025, in Independence, Missouri, surrounded by the love and presence of her family. A devoted wife, nurturing mother, adoring grandmother, loyal sister, and cherished friend.

Born on February 23, 1943, in Tacoma, Washington, Judy’s life was a beautiful tapestry of compassion, creativity, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her kindness was instinctive, her humor contagious, and her energy boundless.

Judy’s professional journey began with the Singer Sewing Company in Vancouver, where her love for fashion and textiles came to life. She had a keen eye for detail and a natural talent for making others feel confident. Later, she brought those same gifts to her work with Weight Watchers, where she served as a Leader—motivating, supporting, and genuinely caring for everyone she encountered. She held a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Washington State University.

But Judy’s heart was never limited to her work. She gave generously of her time and spirit, volunteering with the cub scouts for many years, always encouraging integrity, adventure, and service in young lives. In 1979, she laced up her running shoes and never looked back—finding joy and purpose on every path, road and race she ran. She loved to share this passion, cheering on others with her trademark enthusiasm and gentle encouragement. She was also a devout Saint to her faith and God through her worship at the The Independence Restoration Branch.

To know Judy was to be wrapped in warmth. She was a woman who found delight in life’s simple pleasures—like laughing through Hallmark movies, baking with her grandkids, or sharing stories at the kitchen table. She had a sparkle in her eye and a deep well of love that she poured into every relationship.

Her greatest joy, without question, was her family. Judy was the beloved wife of Gary Kuntz, her partner and best friend through decades of love, laughter, and shared dreams. Together they raised their son, Jared, whom she adored, and she welcomed his wife Amy with open arms and a full heart. She was a proud and playful grandma to Kloden and Evelyn, who brought her endless joy and who will carry her love with them always. She was also a loving sister to Connie Sullivan and her husband Jim, with whom she shared a lifetime of memories and a deep sisterly bond.

Although she faced physical and mental challenges later in life, she never complained. Instead, she approached each obstacle with determination and perseverance, finding practical way to overcome them and achieving remarkable success.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Betts and Zelma Mae Betts, whose gentle guidance and strong values she carried with her throughout her life.

Though we mourn her passing, we celebrate the vibrant, generous, and deeply loving woman she was. Judy’s legacy lives on not only in the family she cherished and the countless lives she touched but also in the quiet strength, compassion, and joy she brought to every moment. She made the world brighter just by being in it.

A private cremation is planned, and a Celebration of Life will be held on May 22, 2025 at 2:00pm where she attended church at 707 N Allen Road, Independence MO 64050, where stories will be shared, tears and laughter exchanged, and Judy’s extraordinary life honored with the love she so freely gave to us all.