Judith Celeste Klinefelter

Judith Celeste Stansbury Klinefelter, known to those who love her as “Judi,” passed away surrounded by her loving family on September 14, 2024, from complications of cancer. She had battled cancer for 7 years, always bouncing back with vigor and positivity after each recurrence.

Judith was born on February 13, 1940, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to her loving parents, Mary Pauline Smart Stansbury and James Clifton Stansbury, Jr.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Tim Klinefelter, her parents, her sisters, Mary Vanessa Stansbury and Shirley Weishaar, and her Grandson, Hunter Bailey Nelson.

She is survived by her five loving children: Karen (Cory) LaRue, Todd (Karen) Klinefelter, Kathleen (Andy Hall) Klinefelter, Trish (Aaron) Nelson, Ben (Shelley) Klinefelter. Her twelve grandchildren: Josh (Dia), Chelsey (Wes), Kelsey (Jon), Cassidy (Chanelle), Tristan, Alex (Michael), Tyler, Brysen, Gabriel, Hunter, Cece, Holt. Her nine great grandchildren: Zoey, Emerson, Benjamin, Fisher, Josiah, Isaiah, Luke, Violet, Iris and her little sister Jo Ann (Dayton) Smith. As well as her many nieces and nephews, whom she loved and adored as they did her.

Judi met the love of her life, Tim Klinefelter, while in Junior College when she was cast in the play “Our Town,” Tim admired her from the audience while she rehearsed until he got the courage to ask her out on their first date. They were married on September 27, 1959 in Vallejo, California.

Judi was a beacon of love and kindness, dedicated to her family. She was a beautifully gifted soprano singer who loved opera and theater; she was lead actress in many high school and college productions. Her voice was so captivating that she was asked to sing at hundreds of weddings and funerals throughout her life. She introduced her family to the joys of music and community theater, nurturing their creative spirits and instilling a passion for the arts in her children. As a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she exemplified unwavering strength and dedication, inspiring her family with her deep faith in Jesus Christ. She found great joy in genealogy, spending hours tracing her Native American (Cherokee) roots. She was very proud of her heritage and enjoyed sharing her findings with those she loved. Her sweet and loving nature touched the lives of many, and her home was a warm and inviting place where all were welcomed. Judi was also a skilled seamstress, creating beautiful, matching dresses for herself and her daughters for every holiday, special occasion, prom, and wedding. Judi loved gardening, and her green thumb nurtured many plants and orchids that are thriving, some over 50 years old. Judi loved to travel and enjoyed various trips with her sisters to their hometown in Oklahoma and sisters in law & mother-in-law to Europe & to the Midwest for mother-in-law Melba’s hometown visit as were the Hawaiian islands. Lake Tahoe, Inverness & Hayden Lake, Idaho, were her and Tim’s favorite vacation destinations both with their family and for quick anniversary getaways. Judi also adopted Tim’s love of sailing and surprised him with the “Orizaba,” a 35 ft sailboat, on his 50th birthday. They spent hours together sailing in the San Francisco Bay. Sailing and swimming in Folsom Lake over the years was also a frequent destination she enjoyed with both family and friends.

Judi never met a stranger. She truly was a guiding light who shined upon anyone she met. She was also a warrior who would ALWAYS take immediate action when she observed someone in need or danger, especially a child.

She was so very proud of her children and grandchildren and celebrated each and every accomplishment with such pride and joy. She had a very special way of making everyone know just how special they were to her.

She truly was the highest quality Human being whose spirit is now in the presence of God. We will miss her every day.

If you are unable to be present for the service you can join us here: https://evt.live/klinefelter-service