Judith Jeannette Coffey

With heavy hearts and deep love, we celebrate the life of Judith Jeanette Coffey, affectionately known as Judy or JJ, who was born on April 5, 1949, in Wichita, Kansas, and passed away on April 18, 2026. Judy lived a life full of laughter, resilience, and unwavering love for her family and friends, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished forever.

Judy was the youngest of her siblings, born to Winifred Allen Sprouse, a proud World War II veteran, and Ila Harriet Clothier. After the passing of her father in 1950, Judy’s mother married Dennis Scott, who became an important and loving presence in Judy’s life and the lives of her siblings.

Growing up in Wichita, Judy developed a love for music and friendship. She attended Wichita High School East, graduating in 1966, where she participated in glee club and played basketball. Even then, her vibrant personality and natural charisma made her someone others were drawn to—qualities that would define her throughout her life.

In 1970, Judy made a courageous and life-changing decision to move to Phoenix, Arizona with her three-year-old daughter. There, she joined her mother, stepfather, and sister, building a new chapter that would become her lifelong home.

Judy’s life in Arizona was one of hard work, perseverance, and growth. She began her career as a beautician and worked at Holsum Bakery before finding her stride in the professional world. Through dedication and determination, she built a respected career as an administrator and later as an office manager for Amfac Electric Supply and CED Electric Supply. This is where she gained the nickname JJ as her wonderful colleagues know her as. She took pride in her work and the relationships she built along the way.

Family was always at the center of Judy’s world. She loved deeply and unconditionally, not only her family but also the many friends and coworkers she welcomed into her life. She had a rare gift of making others feel like family, and to her, no one was ever a stranger for long.

One of the most meaningful and emotional moments in Judy’s life came later into adulthood when her and her siblings learned of their sister Shirley Lytle. Their reunion was a powerful and joyful experience, opening the door to new relationships and cherished memories that meant so much to her.

Before meeting the love of her life, Dave, she experienced several serious relationships that helped define her path. When she found Dave, she found a deep and lasting love that brought her happiness and companionship.

Judy found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved shopping, traveling, and spending time relaxing with her favorite television shows, especially watching Judge Judy or a basketball game. She had a passion for music, particularly country, and loved to sing and dance whenever she had the chance. Her favorite colors were purple and blue, and she had a special fondness for hummingbirds, angels, and daisies—small symbols that reflected her gentle and joyful spirit.

She also had her favorite treats that brought her comfort and happiness—Cherry Mash candy was always at the top of the list, though any chocolate would do. She enjoyed Cherry Coke, Cheetos, and chili, embracing the simple things that made life sweet.

In her later years, Judy faced significant health challenges, including asthma, COPD, and breast cancer. Despite these struggles, and even as her mobility became limited, her spirit remained strong. She continued to make time for those she loved, showing incredible resilience and determination. Her strength in the face of adversity was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Judy will be remembered as beautiful inside and out—loving, funny, mischievous, independent, and full of life. Her legacy is one of laughter, strength, and unconditional love. She lived by the belief that “life is too short to take things so seriously,” a philosophy she carried with her every day. She reminded those around her to laugh often, love deeply, and not sweat the small things.

She is survived by her loving fiancé Dave Rhodes; her children, Sandy Miller (Terry Howard) and Ross Coffey (Lisa Coffey); her cherished grandchildren, Colin Coffey (20) and Liam Coffey (11), who brought immense joy and pride into her life; her sister Shirley Lytle of Great Bend, Kansas, her brother Lee Sprouse (Miriam Sprouse) of Jacksonville, Florida; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.

She was preceded in death by her father, Winifred Sprouse, her mother Ila Scott, her stepfather Dennis Scott, her sister Beverly Fillius, and her brother-in-law Tom Lytle.