Judith "Judy" Ann Hart, 84, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.

Born on December 25, 1940, in East St. Louis, Illinois, Judy was the daughter of Ellis Monroe and Irma Maxine (Harvey) Wafler. During the war years, her family moved to the West Coast, where her father worked in Hanford, Washington. They later returned to Florissant, Missouri, as Judy entered the third grade. On August 28, 1965, in Hazelwood, Missouri, she was united in marriage to Dwight Neal Hart, who survives.

Judy is also survived by her son, Neal Hart of Little Rock, Arkansas; two brothers-in-law, Donald Hart of Woodstock, Georgia, and Ranny Saylor of Graniteville, South Carolina; and numerous beloved relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters-in-law, Irene R. (Havens) Hart and Geraldine "Gerry" (Wafler) Saylor.

A 1958 graduate of Ferguson High School, Judy was a spirited student-athlete, a foreign language enthusiast, and a majorette in the band. She continued her education at Northeast Missouri State Teachers' College (now Truman State University), earning a B.S. in Education in Foreign Language in 1962. She later earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Webster University in 1976.

Judy dedicated her life to education. Her career began at Brunswick and Mendon High Schools (1962–1964) before she transitioned to the Hazelwood School District. From 1964 until her retirement in 1993, she taught at Hazelwood Junior High, Kirby Junior High, and Hazelwood West Junior High. Beyond the classroom, she was a tireless mentor who sponsored the yearbook, pep club, and school newspaper, and was instrumental in introducing the gifted student program.

In her retirement, "Miss Judy" remained a leader and a light in her community. Whether she was twirling a baton or volunteering her time, she was known for her gracious smile and her ability to make every project a success. Her civic involvement was vast: she served as Board Chair and Secretary of the United Methodist Faith Parish, Secretary of the Schuyler County Food Pantry, and President of the Schuyler County Rotary Club. She also contributed her leadership to the Adair County E911 Committee, the Law Enforcement Project Committee, the SB40 Committee, the Hospice Committee, and the Adair County Extension Council.

Judy was a member of Trinity United Fellowship Church and was famously known as the "Boxer Pup Whisperer" to her beloved dogs: Hearsay, Beau, and Jake.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, Missouri. The family will receive friends from noon until the start of the service in the funeral home chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Schuyler County Food Pantry and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.