Obituary of Judy A. DeVader

Judy Ann DeVader, age 75, of Burlington, CO passed away on Good Friday, April 14, 2017 at the Kit Carson Memorial Hospital in Burlington. She went to heaven surrounded by family members singing Amazing Grace and You are My Sunshine at her bedside. Judy was born October 24, 1941 in Topeka, KS to John C. and June (Melenson) Ronnau. Judy was the first of three children born to this union. Judy graduated from St. Mary’s High School in St. Mary’s, KS in the class of 1959. On September 5, that same year, and at the age of 17, she married Donald DeVader in St. Mary’s. To this union five children were born. The couple made their home In Topeka, Kansas. In 1970 (because of the construction of I-70 and job opportunities) they moved to Goodland, Kansas and in 1995 to Burlington. Judy spent her entire life doing what she loved the most – raising their family. She did everything to the very best of her ability and thoroughly loved being a mother and wife. After her children grew older, Judy did have a few part time jobs, with Aten’s Department Store in Goodland being her very favorite. Judy was a humble woman with a quiet spirit. She never bragged about herself, was content with what she had and was completely happy to be in the comfort of her home. In 1988, at the age of 47, Judy was diagnosed with a pituitary brain tumor. This tumor was the beginning of her battle with arthritis, enlarged joints, organs and pulmonary and heart issues. Judy enjoyed board games, playing paper dolls as a child, dress up with her grandkids, cross stitching, plants, popcorn with extra butter, roasted marshmallows and drinks with a lot of ice in them. Judy had a passion for decorating her home and was quite good at it. Recently, since she was mostly homebound, her favorite thing to do was watch HGTV. Along with this new pastime came a lot of “honey do’s” for Don to take care of when he got home. Judy was of Catholic faith and a woman who loved the Lord. She also loved her high school sweetheart and husband, Don of 57 years. Judy not only loved her family but was loved by her family. Judy was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter- in -law, Melissa DeVader. Judy is survived by her husband Don DeVader of Burlington; children Christy DeVader of MD, Tara (Greg) Penny of Burlington, Trent DeVader of FL, Scott DeVader (fiancé Kathy Jordan) of Burlington, and Alison (Lee) Jacobsen also of Burlington; brother John (Mary Alice) Ronnau of TX; and sister Mary Lee (Bill) Fields of St. Mary’s, KS. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.