Judy Lynn Ward

Judy Lynn (Elliott) Ward, our cherished mother, grandmother (“Chop Chop”), sister, daughter, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully and went to be with the Lord on December 7, 2025, in McKinney, Texas, at the age of 80.

Born on March 7, 1945, in Dallas, Texas, to Roy and Nadean Elliott, Judy grew up in Dallas and attended Ursuline Academy, Thomas Jefferson High School, and Texas Tech University.

Judy began her professional career in 1963 as a receptionist at Cullum Companies (Tom Thumb Supermarkets). Over nearly four decades, through hard work and perseverance, she rose to become Vice President of Human Resources for Randall’s/Tom Thumb/Safeway—shattering glass ceilings as the company’s first female Vice President.

Judy had an extraordinary gift for making others feel seen, welcomed, and cared for. She embraced life wholeheartedly and loved people with the same passion—always curious, always kind, and always ready to connect. Her warmth and generosity touched countless lives, leaving an impact that will live on through everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She is survived by her son, David Linder (Sarah); her daughter, Tiffani Petersen (Todd); her niece, Sara Cooper (David); her grandchildren, Cameron Linder, Brittany Linder, Ashley Linder, Travis Petersen, Auney Portales (Caleb), and Aiden Petersen (Emily); and her great-grandchildren, Leila, Daisy, Rosanna, Magnolia, and many friends who will miss her dearly. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Roy & Nadean Elliott, her brother, Don Elliott, and her husband, James Ward.

A visitation with food and beverages will be held at J.E. Foust Funeral Home in Grapevine, TX on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 pm. The funeral service will take place at Church Eleven32 in Allen, TX on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 10:00 am. Judy will be laid to rest in a private committal ceremony at Restland Cemetery in Dallas.