Judy Earlene DiDomizio

Judy Earlene DiDomizio of Liberty, Missouri passed away on February 5th, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was 81 years old. Born in Eufaula, OK to Walter Lee and Willie Irene McKinzie (Jackson). Judy was the younger sister of Donald Lee McKinzie.

After spending her early years in Oklahoma, Judy’s family followed many other farmers seeking relief from the drought and better opportunity by working in camps along the way to California. The family moved first to Greely, Colorado and then to Bakersfield, California. Judy and her brother Don could often be found out in the fields working alongside their family in their younger years. Willie would often make Judy dresses and she enjoyed dressing up but just as much wanted to ride bikes and play outside with her big brother Don.

Don and Judy were often up to mischief and the seed house was meant to be out of bounds. Saddles for the horses were kept in the seed house and Don and Judy liked to play inside. Once they were caught red-handed by their dad riding on the saddles while the seed spilled on the floor. Judy would tell this story over and over with the biggest smile on her face.

Judy’s father, who went by Lee, sadly passed away when she was 12. Years later, Willie married Jack Evans who Judy became very close with. Judy was very close with her family. Her Aunts, Uncles and cousins were a large significant part of her life growing up in California filled with many memories.

Judy became a cosmetologist in the early 60’s. In 1961, Judy’s first son Hubert was born, William followed in 1963 and in 1967 Stephen. Judy kept the boys busy with FFA and their competitions, fishing- she may have helped some fish sneak away from a lake once.

Judy married the love of her life, John, in Bakersfield California in 1974. Judy had 3 boys: Hubert, William and Stephen. John had 5 children: John, Robert, Thomas, Donald, Diane and Gina. In 1975, they had one child between them, Julie. John and Judy were known for their love of bowling and were very competitive in several leagues, competing nights and weekends. If they were not bowling, you would often find them out dancing at the Blackboard or at the Basque. They loved to visit the coast where they enjoyed life by the beach as well as the bright lights of Las Vegas.

In 1981, Judy chose to go back to college to complete her education. She wanted to teach Kindergarten at Cherokee Elementary in Tahlequah, which required her to complete her degree and she enrolled at Northeastern State University. What many do not know about Judy is that she is deaf. Being deaf caused her many struggles growing up in school. College was not easy for Judy, but she never let that stop her. Her neighbor, Ross Underwood, was a professor who worked with Judy each day to help her achieve her dream.

Kansas City became home in 1984. Judy loved having all 4 seasons and living in the Midwest, but always spoke of the coast back home. She met her best friend, Janetta Bilski and the two could always pick up where one would leave off. They both loved to sew, quilt and even made porcelain dolls together. Judy worked for DST until she retired.

Judy loved being a Mom, and having her family around was very important to her. She would think of every detail for birthdays, weddings, baby showers or whatever the occasion was. Dinner at her house on Sunday’s was often spaghetti and meatballs or something on the grill. She made sure everyone was invited and never wanted anyone to not feel welcome or part of the family.

Being a Grandparent was a huge part of Judy’s life. She was blessed by many grandchildren and was very proud of each one of them. If she opened her wallet, she had each of their photos. She believed in Pepsi and ice cream at bedtime and often a trip to Walmart for a toy. You often did not know what they would get in to, but you always knew she would have them laughing and not wanting to leave her house. Her grandchildren affectionately called her, NeNe.

One large part of Judy’s life was her shih-tzu, Gabriel. Gabriel got weekly trips to McDonald’s, Stroud’s and his main diet was DiLusso’s medium roast beef from the deli counter at HyVee. He was a huge part of both John and Judy’s lives. After John’s passing, he brought enormous comfort to Judy, never leaving her side.

The lights at Harrah’s Casino went a bit dim when Judy passed. If you ever went by their house and they were not home, you could often find them at Harrah’s. They had their spots they played and favorite staff. Their Vegas in the Midwest brought them both a great deal of enjoyment through the years.

Judy was not afraid of a challenge. If she wanted something, she went after it. It might mean a detoured route, but she never let that stop her. She lived her life big and bright and always wanted others to share in her happiness. Her biggest advice was always to know your worth, never settle. Always leave someone better than you found them. Judy was a friend to many will be missed by everyone that had the privilege to know and love her.

Judy is survived by her sons Hubert (Carol) Bohannon, William Bohannon, Stephen (Melody) Hill and her daughter Julie (David) McCaw; grandchildren: Breanna, Annalise and John Pinedo & Ross and Alistair McCaw (Julie and David); Dustin Bohannon, Jessica Frisby, ReBecca Bohannon, Travis (Kaitlin) Reynolds, Brittany (Lucas) Sigman, Brandon (Mikki) Bohannon (William); Jennifer Hill, Robert and Nina Zenger (Stephen); great grandchildren: Sadie Kimmi, Ashton Sigman. Jaxon and Owen Berry. Oliver Bohannon. Joseph, Peter and Meadow Bohannon. Shane, Zach, Izzi and Isaiah Frisby (William). Dylan, Nick, Rockie, Ryker and Taeden Hill. Bode, CJ and Melody Velasquez. Robert, David, Emelia and Lillian Zenger (Stephen); aunts: Dorothy (Harold) Sizemore, Wanda Jones; cousins: Chris and John Mitchell, Peggy, Anthony and Grace Turner; Charlene, Beth and David Jolley; Phyllis and Mike Clay; Denise Simmons. Judy is survived by many cousins and extended family.

Judy is preceded in death by her husband John; her father Walter ‘Lee’ McKinzie; mother Willie Evans and stepfather Jack Evans; brother, Don McKinzie; uncles: George Jackson, LeeRoy Jackson; aunt, Winnie Jackson; niece, Donna Mae McKinzie; nephew, Lee McKinzie; and grandsons, Jonathan Bohannon and Jonathan Hill.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care: Gloria, Audeen, Annie, Cappi, Chloe, Julie and Shelley for helping us walk her home with so much dignity, grace, compassion, and love. Dr. Stephanie Swords and staff at Meritas Health for all they have done to provide exceptional care and compassion. Judy’s caregiver Stacy, who has been a tower of strength in working with Judy over the last few months keeping her active and always offering her so much joy, care and love.

A rosary service and visitation for Judy will be on Thursday, February 15th, 2024; rosary starting at 5pm and visitation from 5:15 to 7 pm at McGilley Antioch Chapel, 3325 Northeast Vivion Road, Kansas City, MO 64119. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, February 16th, 2024, starting at 10am at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, 4737 N Cleveland Ave., Kansas City, MO 64117, followed directly by the committal service at Resurrection Cemetery, 5001 NE Cookingham Dr, Kansas City, MO 64156.

For anyone that got the privilege to know and love Judy, please join the family for food and drinks at a reception to celebrate her incredible life and accomplishments on Friday, February 16th, 2024, directly following the burial at 1009 Middlebrook Dr., Liberty, MO 64068.