Judith May Turnbull

Judith May “Judy” (Watkins) Turnbull, 85, passed away on March 24, 2026 at Redbud Village in Plainville, Kansas.

She was born on July 22, 1940, in Dodge City, Kansas, to Henry and Marjorie (Cummins) Watkins. Judy grew up in Dodge City and later moved to Great Bend, Kansas, during her junior year of high school. She graduated from Great Bend High School in 1957 and went on to attend Fort Hays State University, where she met the love of her life, James “Jim” Turnbull. The two were united in marriage on August 29, 1959, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, devotion, and teamwork.

In 1962, Jim and Judy joyfully adopted their daughter, Stacey, completing their family. Together, Jim and Judy built a life that took them to many communities, including Hays, Kansas, Kearney and Lincoln, Nebraska, Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Blue Earth, Minnesota with the JC Penney company; Plainville and Hoisington, Kansas; and South Hutchinson, Kansas.

During their time in Minnesota, they owned and operated their own department store, and upon returning to Kansas in 1984, they ran a tire supply business. In 1990 Jim became a hospital administrator, and after his retirement, Judy faithfully accompanied him across the state as he served as an interim administrator. Throughout their lives, Judy held a variety of jobs, including secretary, retail clerk in various businesses and their own, making specialty curtains and librarian! But her greatest joy was supporting Jim in all his endeavors. If you saw one, the other was never far away—they truly did everything together.

Judy had a deep love for travel, and she and Jim shared many memorable adventures across the country. Some of her favorites were New England, Hawaii and Alaska. She also had a passion for fashion and was known for her unique sense of style, always appearing perfectly put together no matter the occasion. Her many interests included entertaining friends, gardening, bird watching, and renovating and decorating the homes she so lovingly created wherever life took them. Her sense of humor made for many fun times with family and friends, whether they were square dancing, playing golf or bridge, or simply sitting on the patio watching the birds.

After Jim’s passing in 2022, Judy felt the loss deeply. A light in her life dimmed, and she often expressed her longing to be reunited with her beloved husband. She waited patiently for that day.

She is survived by her daughter, Stacey (Doug) Keas of Plainville; her brother, Mike (Dixie) Watkins of Ozawkie, Kansas; her grandchildren, Seth (Catherine) Keas, Jared Keas, and Amy (Jesse) Arbogast, all of Hays, Kansas; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Dawson, Audra, and Brenden Keas, and Oakleigh Arbogast. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Judy will be remembered for her grace, her devotion to her family, and the beautiful life she built alongside her husband. Her love and legacy will continue to live on in all who knew her.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 10:30 AM at the First Christian Church in Plainville. Inurnment will be held following the service at 3:00 PM at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in WaKeeney. Visitation will be held Sunday from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at the funeral home in Plainville.

Memorials are suggested to First Christian Church or Redbud Village and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home. 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, KS 67663.