A memorial visitation for Judy Lee (Ikenberry) Farmer, 54, Lawrence, will be Thursday, March 15 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Judy passed away Saturday, March 10, 2018, at the Olathe Hospice House from ovarian cancer. Private inurnment will be in Pioneer Cemetery at the University of Kansas.
Judy was born on August 29, 1963 in Lawrence, KS. She was the daughter of Raymond Lloyd Ikenberry (Myrna), Lawrence, and Thelma Jean “Jeanie” Randel Frank (Arlen), Wellsville. She is survived by both parents; brother, Alan Ikenberry (Kathy), Baldwin; sons, Matthew Farmer, Lawrence and Travis Farmer, Ottawa; grandchildren, Craetyn and Rhylee Farmer, Ottawa and Kenzleigh Farmer, Lawrence.
She was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Ira and Sylvia Ikenberry, Baldwin, maternal grandparents William “Bill” and Thelma Randel, Baldwin; aunt Dee Ann Randel Augustus, Lawrence, uncle Clifford Ikenberry, Baldwin, and aunt Dorothey Powell.
Judy was a lifelong resident of Lawrence, attending Pinckney, Broken Arrow, South Jr. High, Lawrence High and the University of Kansas, where she completed her degree in Social Welfare. Judy worked at the University of Kansas for over 26 years, and especially enjoyed her time employed at African and African American Studies, and the Center of Latin American and Caribbean Studies which spurred her interest in international travel. Judy enjoyed playing sports, bicycling, kayaking and paddle boating on Marion Lake and Lake Shawnee, traveling, listening to live music, watching KU Basketball, and Diet Coke with Lime.
Amongst the greatest joys of her life were her sons and grandchildren; her most favorite trips to Alaska, New Orleans, Cuba, Nicaragua and Australia; the all-expense paid trip to LA as one of Dr. Phil’s biggest fans for his 1000th show; and her visits as an audience member for Oprah and Jimmy Kimmel tapings. Among her favorite bands were The Eagles, Rascal Flatts, Samantha Fish and Travis Marvin. She enjoyed attending blues festivals. She was active in organizing several of her Class of 1981 Lawrence High School reunions and was known for remaining in contact with many of her high school classmates. She was a loyal and dedicated family member, friend, and employee of the University of Kansas, where she worked the majority of her career.
The family suggests memorial contributions in lieu of flowers to Ovarian Cancer Research at the University of Kansas Hospital, the KU Endowment Judy L. Farmer Fund, or Olathe Hospice House, sent in care of the funeral home.
