Judith Lynn Smith (Fessler)

Judith Lynn (Fessler) Smith was born in Kansas City, Missouri on April 23,1943 to Herman and Dorette (Fromson) Fessler. On Sunday, September 7th, 2025 she passed away peacefully at Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City, Missouri. She was 82 years old. Judy grew up at Lake Lotawana, Missouri, along with her sister Suzette. Together they spent memorable summers on the water with family and friends. Judy was a member of the Lake Lotawana Waterski Club where she held the top position on her team’s water ski pyramid. Judy attended Mason Elementary School and was a 1960 graduate of Lee’s Summit High School, where she was involved in cheerleading and volleyball. After high school, Judy went on to attend Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri, majoring in Art and Physical Education. She continued with cheerleading and volleyball, and was known affectionately by her peers as “Phauxz” (Foxy). Most importantly, Missouri Valley College is where she met the love of her life, Jolan Kellar Smith.

In 1966, Judy and Jolan married and moved to Green Cove Springs, Florida where they began their long teaching careers. Judy taught Art and PE, and coached girls’ basketball, volleyball, and track. During this time, they welcomed two boys, Jolan Kellar Jr. in 1970 and Travis Kendall in 1972. Judy and Jolan returned to Pleasant Hill, Missouri, in 1977 so the boys could be closer to their grandparents. Judy continued her teaching career at Strasburg Elementary and later moved to East Lynne, teaching Art and PE, and coaching both boys and girls basketball.

Judy’s love for animals began in childhood with her pet skunk, Pepé, and continued throughout her lifetime. After retirement in 2003, Judy and Jolan enjoyed spending time together gardening, and caring for their cats, dogs, goats and hummingbirds. Judy’s wit and humor was one of her best qualities. Her family fondly recalls listening to Judy and Jolan’s lighthearted repartee, discovering funny faces drawn into the dust on their car windshields, and receiving her homemade holiday cards. Finding humor in everyday life, Judy’s kindhearted and easy going laughter always filled their home, and made those around her feel welcome.

Judy and Jolan were members of Holden United Methodist Church, and later returned to Lake Lotawana Community United Methodist Church. One of her favorite pastimes included listening to Jolan sing and play guitar at home, and in church. Judy will be remembered as a warm and loving mother, and according to Jolan, the perfect wife.

Judy leaves behind her loving husband of 59 years, Jolan, and her two sons, Jolan Jr. and wife Kendall Kerr, Travis and wife Jonna, sister Suzette Glaeser and husband Richard (deceased), nieces Lynne Glaeser, Leigh Glaeser-Peterman, and nephew Scott Glaeser, all of Kansas City. She will be missed dearly by grandsons Joseph and Jonah, and great-grandson Joseph Jr.

A memorial service for Judy is planned for October 4th, 2025, 2:00pm at Lake Lotawana Community United Methodist Church, 28901 NE Colbern Road, Lee’s Summit, Missouri, 64086. An ice cream social will follow.

Private Disposition