Judy Ann Smith Neslage passed January 27, 2026 in Baldwin City, Kansas surrounded by her three children and grandson.
Judy was born January 18,1942 in Pampa, Texas, the daughter of Floyd N. and Maurine I. (Williamson) Smith. Her parents were educators and taught in several Panhandle towns including Webb Ranch, Borger, Spearman, Stinnett, and Pampa. This sparked an interest in education for Judy. Both parents retired in El Paso, Texas where Judy began her career. She graduated from Pampa High School in 1959. She attended West Texas State University where she met and married Frederick J. Neslage Jr. in 1962. She is remembered for having a great sense of humor and being a lot of fun, always bringing joy. She participated in plays and was very creative. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1965 while she raised her first daughter and her then husband was serving in Vietnam.
Judy taught for over 35 years in El Paso and Ennis Texas. In the evenings, Judy taught English as a second language and citizenship classes. The presiding Immigration Judge praised her efforts based on the knowledge demonstrated by her pupils upon obtaining their American Citizenship. In Ennis, she was noted for helping low-achieving students make significant advancements in both reading and math thus allowing them to reach grade level goals much more quickly and catch up with their peers. While in El Paso, Judy loved spending time with family swimming, camping, and fishing in the National Forests in New Mexico and Arizona. Following retirement, Judy made several trips with her beloved cousins and friends to various places. She held Bible studies in her home and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Although her last couple of years were in a nursing home, residents reached out to share that she was always trying to help others and befriending new arrivals.
She is survived by her children; Christina (Darren) Lawrenz, Lori (Shannon Paul) Roberts, Joe (Catherine) Neslage. grandchildren; Shannon Roberts, Kaitlyn Lawrenz, Sidney Roberts, Megann Lawrenz, Laura Neslage and Connor Neslage. Greatgrandson; Christian Whiteley. Sister, Rose M. Hall and Nephews, Philip Nelson and Peter (Dedra) Nelson.
We are so grateful to the staff of Baldwin Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. They were so caring and supportive as we navigated the last part of mom’s journey home. A Celebration of Life Service will be planned at the First Presbyterian Church, Pampa, Texas on April 10th at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local early education programs in her memory or send donations to Wellsville High School, Attn Ashli Votaw, 602 Walnut, Wellsville, KS “for early education needs”.
Judy was one of my very best friends, I could tell you so many stories….
I met Judy in Ennis at Bowie Elementary when she was a new hire. We hit it off from the beginning and through the the next 30+ years , I always knew she was a blessing in my life. She attended my family birthday gatherings, my family reunions, and weekend visits at my house and my moms.mom’s. She was like family to us. My family loved her just as I did.
Once when I had to be hospitalized….for over 3 months in Dallas, Judy became a regular visitor, then when I had to have care around the clock, Judy asked to be put on the schedule. She would spend the night at the hospital helping with my care. Now, that’s a dear friend. She would bring a small TV and a CD player and play soothing music when I was restless. So very caring.
When she moved to Kansas to be with her 3 children, which she adored, I missed her so much. We kept in contact, however, it was a miss that was huge.
Heaven is a better place now, her smile and her loving nature will be welcomed there.
I love you Judy. You will be missed.