Judith (Catherine) Adams Kraybill
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Judith [Catherine] Adams Kraybill, age 79, passed away Friday, January 8th, 2021 in Overland Park, Kansas due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Judy was born on December 14th, 1941 to Benjamin Clarke Adams and Betty May Iler Adams in Derry, New Hampshire. Judy attended Derry schools through her freshman year at Pinkerton Academy. She then attended Kents Hill Prep School through her senior year, graduating in 1959. Following her formative years, Judy attended Colby Jr. College and received a degree in History from the University of New Hampshire. Judy was proud of her New Hampshire heritage and often told stories of growing up on the Adams farm in Derry where she spent much of her youth with her paternal grandparents.
Judy met Fred Corbett at UNH, they were married in 1963 and later had their daughter Anna [Corbett] Oliver in Portland, Oregon. In those years, Judy was an exceptional grade school teacher, and especially enjoyed helping her students excel in reading; a lifelong passion of her own. Judy was also an avid photographer. After her divorce in 1971, Judy met William “Bill” Kraybill, who was to become her loving husband of 46 years. They liked to tell the story of how they met at a bar/restaurant, named Ryan’s, in Portland. Judy often described seeing a “great big, tall man” standing next to her. She was attracted to Bill when they met, but her feelings grew when he showed his care for her daughter, Anna. It was then that Judy realized she had found a partner for life. Bill and Judy were married in 1974 and in the following years had their daughter Lindsay and son, Jake. The young family enjoyed hiking and camping, and all the beauty Oregon had to offer. In 1978 they embarked on a new adventure and moved to New York City while Bill completed a fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, at which point Judy took a break from her career as a teacher to focus on each of their three kids’ New York City experience. New York held many adventures for the family including parks, zoos, and trips home to New Hampshire. New York led to Columbia, Missouri, where Judy decided to continue her education and Bill went to work for Ellis Fischel Cancer Center.
With a Masters in Education from Portland State University and years of teaching experience, Judy decided to pursue a second Masters and eventually completed her PhD in Educational and Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri, Columbia in 1991. Judy practiced as a therapist in St. Louis, Missouri and later as a therapist and Executive Coach in Buffalo, NY, and Western New York while Bill worked at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Judy retired in 2006 to spend more time with their grandchildren in the Kansas City area.
Judy was a driven scholar, constantly in search of new and better methods to help her patients, further her own learning, and be a better mother and partner. This intellectual rigor was evident in every conversation with her. Judy was a progressive thinker and a steadfast feminist. She had a radiant, contagious, and undeniably caring smile. She instilled in her children a deep independence with a loving kindness. One might note that her hair was as distinctive as she was, from her long braids in the 70’s to her perfect grey framed bob in her professional years. Above all else, Judy was a fierce advocate for all who knew her including, of course, her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and in her younger years, her siblings. Her deep and loving care will be forever missed.
Judy is survived by her sweetheart Bill; daughters: Anna (Brad) Oliver of Overland Park, KS, Lindsay Kraybill (Aaron Koressel) of El Cerrito, CA, and son Jake Kraybill (Katy Till) of Rochester Hills, MI, and her seven grandchildren: Corbett, Delaney, and Elianna Oliver; Weston and Eli Koressel; and Henry and Rowan Kraybill. Judy is also survived by her four siblings, Jean Ricker, Janice Rioux, John Adams, and Jill Sonja.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Judy’s honor to the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Center and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Judy was a wonderful doctoral student at MU, always very well prepared, and was typically at the top of her class. It was very clear that she was extremely bright, conscientious, and would excel in her professional work. She had a very good heart, and genuinely enjoyed helping others. We need more people like her, not only in our profession, but in the world.
I met Judy a few months ago. She was so adoringly sweet and gentle. Everyone loved her for her demeanor for which she will be always remembered. May the Lord comfort her family.
We are so sorry for your loss. Judy was always so kind, energetic and had a contagious smile. May your memories and the love and support of family and friends be with you on this new journey. Hugs, Debbie, Bill & Jocelyn Driscoll
We are so sorry to hear of your loss! Judy was gentle, kind, loving, and such an encourager! We are praying for your family! May our Lord comfort you during this time! ????????
I’m so sorry for the loss of Judy. Thank you so much for entrusting her care to us. We all loved her so much and that infectious smile of hers. Her heart was absolutely beautiful and she loved her boyfriend Dr. Kraybill and her children so much. We had many talks about a lot of things but she glowed the most when she talked about all of you. I will miss that beautiful woman. May your hearts be comforted during these trying times.
Jean,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. She sounds like a wonderful person who will be forever missed and loved. Please know that you are in our thoughts, during this sad time, and always.
I know Anna spoke of Judy with such love and admiration. Reading her obituary gives me even more insight into what an extraordinary woman she was. Her legacy lives on with the love and light she has passed to her children and grandchildren.
Judy, Jean and I were 28 months apart, Jean having been born premature with her twin Brother, so we were very close age wise.
Last time I saw Judy, 2015 at our 50th Anniversary party, her Alzheimer’s was very evident. We went for a ride around Derry, by the Adams farm and our house on Floyd Rd., both of which she didn’t recognize, even though that was her whole childhood life.
Judy and I shared our love of Sterling silver bangle bracelets and while we were visiting, we decided to swap one of each of our’s, so I will always have her with me.
Bill, We are so sorry to just read of Judy’s passing. We are so sorry and you and your family have our deepest sympathy.
Dorothy and Roger Yaeger
Bill—sending love and prayers for you and your children with Judy’s passing.
Bill,
We have experienced how difficult this past year has been for you through our fellowship circle. Your love, caring and dedication to Judy has been so evident. We wish we could have known her.
Peace to you and your family,
Harry and Donna McDaniel
So sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. I express my condolences to her family and want them to know she is remembered as a truly genuine person who proved to be a good friend of mine during the years I knew her in high school. Always had a smile on her face and I will cherish the memories of our relationship, May she rest in peace.