Judy Thornhill

Judith Sandra Thornhill was born to the late Joseph and Ruth (Cozad) O’ Neal on April 17, 1941, in Topeka, Kansas. She departed from this life on January 8, 2023, at Kabul Nursing Home in Cabool, Missouri, with her family by her side.

Judy was raised in Garden Grove, California, by her mom and stepdad, Cyril Hagerty. During her childhood, she enjoyed playing on the beach with her seven siblings.

Judy met a young Missouri farm boy stationed in California while in the Navy. She married Farris Thornhill in 1958 and started their family with three kids born in California. In 1963, Farris and Judy moved their small family to Missouri where the younger three kids were born.

Judy’s nurturing and fun loving personality served her well in a life filled with serving others. She cared for the children of others, and cared for the elderly in their homes, all while raising her own children.

Judy enjoyed time at the lake, bowling with her friends on a bowling league, the challenge of fixing things deemed difficulty by others, crafts, and watching her hummingbirds. Judy’s true personality shined through when she was dancing like no one was watching to her “Beach Boys” like the true California girl she was.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, seven siblings, son, Rodney Thornhill, daughter, Diane Yarber, great-grandson, Dusty Guenther, her in-laws, and several nieces and nephews.

She is survived by daughters, Sandy (Scott) Graham of Mountain Grove, Missouri, Linda (Keith) Murr of Graff, Missouri, Kelly Byrd of Joplin, Missouri, Christie (Jack) Keene of Mountain Grove, Missouri, Christina (James) Abadie of Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania, Farris Thornhill of Cabool, Missouri, sisters-in-law, Carolyn Thornhill and Melba Hagerty, brother-in-law, Ed Dickens, 19 grandchildren, 26 great-grandkids, many nieces, nephews and dear friends.