Judith “Judy” Lee Westfall, age 84, of Hillsboro, MO, passed away peacefully at home on February 25, 2026, surrounded by family and friends leaving behind a legacy of hard work, deep faith, warm hospitality, and enduring love.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William Chester and Ruth Edna (nee Long) Montgomery; husband James Franklin Westfall; her two sons Robert “Bob” Westfall and Bryan Lee Westfall; and one sister, Bette (Lawrence) Drinen. She is survived by her dear friend “daughter” Stephanie Votrain, Daughter-in-law Penny Westfall two granddaughters Meckenzie Westfall and Whitney (Sam) Stephenson; two great granddaughters: Brie and Brooke; one brother, Doug (Pam) Montgomery and a host of neighbors and friends who she adopted as family.
Judy was a devoted farmer for much of her life, but she was a woman who wore many hats. She had a successful career working at Jefferson College which she retired from, then went to drive commercial buses for Huskey Bus Services and school buses for Grandview School where she finally decided to retire again.
She also had a love for travel and adventure, especially when it meant climbing into a motor home to head down the open road. Whether exploring new places or revisiting favorite destinations, she treasured the freedom of travel and the friends and memories made along the way.
At the center of her life was her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Her relationship with the Lord guided her decisions, shaped her character, and sustained her through every season.
She was a wonderful cook and wasn’t afraid to express her love through food. She took joy in preparing hearty meals and inviting others to sit at her table. Laughter, fellowship conversation, and second helpings were always plentiful. She believed there was something sacred about sharing a meal, and no one was ever allowed to leave her home hungry.
More than any title or accomplishment, she will be remembered as a loving wife and mother, loyal friend, faithful servant, and as a woman whose resilient strength over the years can only be matched by her love for her neighbor.
Her legacy will live on in the lives she touched, the meals she shared, the miles she traveled, and the farm that will continue down the path of fellowship and learning.
A service to celebrate her life will be held at Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 12:00 PM. Visitation will be from 10 AM until service time.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of the following organizations below:
Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church 11441 Ware Church Rd, Hillsboro, MO 63050
Jefferson County Cattlemen’s Association 3825 Sandy Church Rd, Hillsboro, MO 63050
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
