Judith Ellen Wulfkuhle (Judy) gently passed on to her heavenly home on Monday, February 23, 2026.
She was born on September 26, 1937, to Harold and Carrie Ericson in Lawrence. She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1954 and attended secretarial school in Topeka, which served her well throughout her life and career. Judy married Homer Wulfkuhle on September 23, 1956, in Lawrence, KS. She and Homer farmed and ranched in the Stull community after their marriage and until Homer’s passing in 1998, when Judy opted to build a house just down the road from the ranch.
Judy attended the Stull Community of Faith Church, where she was active in many ministries. She was a Stull Busy Beavers 4-H club community leader/volunteer and served on the Douglas County Fair Board. She was active in Kansas Young Farmers and a Douglas County Extension Homemaker Unit. Judy spent her later years at Pioneer Ridge Independent Living and Cedarhurst of Lawrence, where she took joy in the company of the many friends she made, especially her dear friend Elsa, the resident bus outings, and weekly Bingo games. Throughout her life, Judy enjoyed watching, listening to, and cheering on the K-State Wildcats. She had a deep love for reading, spending much of her free time listening to library books on tape.
Judy was extremely proud of her family, who survive her: daughter, Gayle Vannicola (Phillip) of Lecompton; daughter, Lisa Pearson (Clint) of Scott City, KS; son, Mark Wulfkuhle (Brenna) of Lawrence; son, Brian Wulfkuhle (Karen) of Purdon, TX; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and sister, Mary Dill (John) of Kansas City.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 21st at 10:30 am at Stull Community of Faith Church, 1596 E 250 Rd, Lecompton. There will be a luncheon immediately following the service and a private burial service at a later time.
The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Cedarhurst of Lawrence, Interim Hospice (especially Dylan, Marilyn, Val, and Teresa), and her granddaughter Kelsey for their care, love, and compassion given to Judy.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Stull Community of Faith Community Cupboard or to the Douglas County 4-H Foundation – Homer and Judy Wulfkuhle Scholarship Fund, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Whenever I visited my sister Elsa, I enjoyed seeing her beloved friend Judy. I will miss her beautiful smile and gentle ways. May she rest in peace and may her family be embraced in divine consolation.
I always enjoyed our talks about KState sports and her activities at Cedarhurst. She is a kind and loving soul and will be missed
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Miss Judy. I was the Activity Director at Pioneer Ridge Independent Living for nearly 6 years and I have many wonderful memories with her. Judy was one of my most faithful bingo players, and I knew that if both her and Elsa signed up for an activity together it was going to be a good (and wild!) time. I will keep her smile and those memories in my heart forever.
Judy was a sweet soul. The few visits I had with her, always warmed my heart. I pray your memories will bring you great comfort.
Lisa we are so very sorry for the loss.
I am so sorry Lisa. You and your family will be in my prayers. Hugs to you & Clint.
You are all in our prayers.
With our sincere sympathy on the loss of your mother.
I am so sorry to learn of Judy’s passing. She was such a kind person to me. Her beautiful smile in this photo is how I always think of her.
Judy was a special lady. I will miss her presence in this world!
Judy was such a kind person. She was a wonderful friend to my Mom at both Pioneer and Cedarhurst. We were so saddened by her passing. She will be missed greatly.
Our deepest sympathy to her family.
So very sorry for your loss. Judy was a wonderful person, giving generously of her time and talents to her family, friends, and neighbors. She will be missed.