Judith Evelyn Skaggs

Judith Evelyn Skaggs, age 87 of Lathrop, Missouri, passed away Friday morning, May 22, 2026 with family at her side. Judy was born on February 28, 1939, the daughter of Kenneth and Marjorie (Pinkard) Grossman in Tina, MO. She grew up in the Tina / Bosworth area. Judy was a 1957 graduate of Hale High School. She was very involved in school activities, but music was her passion. Judy competed in piano at state levels and dreamed of being a concert pianist. Her music skills were tremendous, and she delighted in playing for people throughout her life . Shortly after graduation, Judy married Jack Smith of Tina, MO. Judy was a woman of many talents. Her hobbies included oil painting, gardening, sewing and reading. Judy was free spirited, a go-getter and a very independent woman. She worked as a legal secretary, but her favorite and most important job was being a mom. Raising five children, she taught them to discover their own talents, to think outside the box, and to follow their hearts. Judy will be dearly missed by her family and friends. 

Judy was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Janie Ballew and David Grossman; and her granddaughter, Jillian Smith. She is survived by her sister, Jan Haffey (Ron) of Columbia, MO; her children, Jackie Kordick (Dave) of Archie, MO, Jeannine Hubbell (Tom) of Lathrop, MO, Janelle Motes (Lance) of Lee's Summit, MO, Ken Smith of Elizabeth, CO, and Cheri Barnes (Tom) of Lindsborg, KS; grandchildren, James Ostmeyer, Jesse Ostmeyer, Lindsey Kordick, Bobby Kordick, Amanda Formholtz, Austin Herbel, Alex Herbel, Hannah Motes, Jacob Motes, Luke Motes, Nathan Smith, Caitlyn Barnes, and Lauren Smith; and thirteen great-grandchildren. 

 A celebration of Judy’s life will begin with a visitation at 9:00 AM, Tuesday, May 26, 2026 followed by a funeral service at 10:00 am at the Lathrop Methodist Church in Lathrop, MO. Burial will follow the services at Wharton Cemetery in Bosworth, MO. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Lathrop. (816) 740-4658. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Judith Evelyn Skaggs, please visit our floral store.