Judy (Bohanan) Shouse, 67, of LaPlata, Missouri, passed away Monday (October 8, 2012) at her home under the loving care of her family and Hospice Compassus.

Judy was born at home in Fonda, Iowa on July 21, 1945, the daughter of Howard and Ellen (Thompson) Bohanan. On May 8, 1960, Judy was united in marriage to Bill Shouse, her best friend, family partner, and true love for over 52 years. To this union three children were born.

Judy is survived by her husband Bill; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Randy Shouse of Colorado Springs, CO and Chuck and Cyndi Shouse of Waukesha, WI; two grandchildren, Caysi and Cody Shouse whom she loved and adored so much; five sisters, Inez Cantrell, Patsy Cater, Ruth Haynes, Sally Bohanan and Peggy Manser and one brother, Ebb Bohanan. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law, Lee and Louise Shouse; her daughter, Connie LeAnn Shouse; one brother, Russell Bohanan and three sisters, Jody Johnson, Mary Lea Payne and Letha Grace Bohanan.

Judy grew up living on her family’s farm in Iowa until moving to the Gibbs area around 1952. Judy farmed side-by-side with Bill all their fifty-two years. Like most farmers, Judy was an equipment operator, a mechanic, a vet, a bookkeeper, a market analyst, and very hard worker. Judy and Bill were survivors. They were knocked down in the 1980’s during the farm crisis, only to pull together and go on to continue farming their family farm they loved so much. Her determination and drive was an inspiration to all.

Judy and Bill were competition tractor pullers from around 1980 to 1995. Judy had her own pulling tractor, an 88 Oliver, called “Spoiled Brat” and took 1st place honors at the Missouri State Fair in 1991.

Judy was a PTS President for the Adair County R-II School at Brashear for a number of years. She was a founding member of the American Agriculture Movement (AAM), Kirksville Women of the Moose member, and a member of the LaPlata Baptist Church.

Judy loved life and loved to live. She was afraid of nothing and didn’t mind telling you so. She always put others’ needs first. Her main focus in life was her family whom she loved dearly. Judy so looked forward to her family coming home for visits and fixing big delicious meals for them. She loved the extended visits Caysi and Cody made to the farm most every summer for many years.

Judy’s hobbies included fishing, camping, gardening and canning, playing slot machines, and mushroom hunting. She had a way of talking and interacting with children. As a result of her warmth, countless “kids” and “grandchildren” comprised her extended family, as well as an enormous circle of friends. The number of lives Judy touched in her lifetime can only be compared to the stars in the sky. Anyone who was fortunate enough to have ever known Judy and spent even a little time with her could consider themselves blessed.

Public visitation will be held Wednesday (October 10, 2012) with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday (October 11, 2012) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Pastor John Bowen officiating. Vocalist Melodie Sevits will sing “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane”, ‘In the Garden” and “Precious Memories”. Interment will follow the service at Wilson Town Cemetery, northeast of LaPlata, Missouri in Adair County.

Pallbearers will be: Bobby Poston, Howard Hughes, Curt Platz, David Mitchell, Dillon Poston and Jim Kelsey. Honorary bearers will be: Travis Poston, Kevin Gregory, Roger Mitchell, Doug Clarkson, Dick Hughes, Gary Moyer, Max Tonkinson and Donald Beach.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Judy may be made to the Wilson Town Cemetery. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.