Judy A. Ernst, 81, of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on October 5, 2025, surrounded by her devoted husband and loving children.
Born on March 22, 1944, in Leavenworth, Kansas, Judy graduated from Immaculata High School and went on to attend Mount St. Scholastica College in Atchison. On May 1, 1965, she married the love of her life, John (Joe) Ernst. They recently celebrated 60 years of marriage, building a life grounded in faith, family, and friendship.
Judy worked for many years as a Unit Secretary at Providence St. Margaret Health Center before continuing her career at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and later at the KCK Diocesan Chancery. Her work was more than a job - it was an extension of her dedication to her community and her Catholic faith.
She was a proud and active member of her parish and the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Altar Society Circle. Judy was deeply involved in the life of her church and community, always bringing warmth and a generous heart to everything she touched.
She cherished staying connected with friends and, together with Joe, enjoyed the deep bonds formed in their close-knit monthly dinner club. For more than two decades, she was a devoted member of her beloved book club, where she shared her passion for reading. She was also a spirited competitor at monthly Bunco days and, until recently, an enthusiastic participant in a weekly exercise group at the local YMCA.
Known affectionately as Mom, Grammy, and Grammy-great, Judy was the heart of her family. Through her example, she instilled in her children the value of optimism and resilience. She also passed along a deep love of books - a gift that will carry through generations. To all who knew her, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering love.
She and Joe enjoyed traveling together to Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean and the Baltics, but her favorite place was always wherever her family gathered.
Judy is survived by her husband of 60 years, Joe Ernst, and their children Lisa (Ernst) Pieper, Leawood, KS, Jeanne (Ernst) Liston (Tom), Bellevue, ID, Mike Ernst (Katie), Harker Heights, TX. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren Delaney (Pieper) Thome (Alex), Overland Park, KS, Keaton Pieper (David Plesha), New York, NY, Mackenna Pieper, Las Vegas, NV, Kaylin Ernst, Belton, TX, Evan Ernst, Nacogdoches, TX, Noah Ernst, College Station, TX; her adored great-grandchildren Riley Thome and Madison Thome, Overland Park, KS and her loving sister, Joan (Carnoali) Ingino (Tony).
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Alex (Bud) and Louise Carnoali; her great-grandson, Mason Thome; and her son-in-law, Jeff Pieper.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Judy’s memory be made to Mason’s Genomic Journey, https:/give.childrensmercykids.org/fundraiser/6124265 or St. Patrick Catholic Church.
Pallbearers for the services will be Keaton Pieper, Evan Ernst, Noah Ernst, Delaney Thome, Mackenna Pieper, Kaylin Ernst, David Plesha, and Alex Thome.
