Rea, Judy (Judith) nee Weinhardt Higgins, 81, passed away on November 3, 2025, after a brief illness, surrounded by family.
Judy was born in St. Louis, MO., on September 10, 1944, to Lt. Henry Weinhardt and Gertrude (Trudy) Dawe, and was lovingly raised by Trudy and Donald J. Higgins.
Judy was a devoted mother of four and grandmother of eight, known for her friendships, kindness, and strength. She touched many lives with her warmth, humor, and generosity. A friend to many whose love and laughter will be deeply missed.
While raising her children, Judy enjoyed working at Spaulding Racquetball Clubs, TWA Airlines, and American Airlines. The latter eventually taking her to Dallas, Texas, before she retired to Jupiter, Florida. In Florida, she volunteered at Angels in the Attic Thrift Store before joining Home Depot, where she was a valued team member who loved her coworkers and customers. Judy’s dedication and spirit earned her Employee of the Month honors many times. She later returned home to St. Louis, Missouri, to be closer to family and watch her grandchildren grow up.
She is survived by her children Kelley (Clayton) Murphy, Colleen (John) Woods, Shannon Sprock (Mike) Christensen, and Donald Rea; her grandchildren Cameron Woods, Connor (Kayla) Woods, Curtis (Emily) Woods, Andrew (Katie) Sprock, Ashlee Sprock, Adam Sprock, Delaney Rea, Olivia Rea, Lorrin Christensen and Corey (Danielle) Christensen; her sister Mary (Miff Higgins) Knapp; and her sisters-in-laws Judy (Rea) Koder, Linda (Stovall) Rea.
She is also survived by many nieces and nephews Brian (BJ) Hansmann, Brad (Melissa) Hansmann, Laura (Bill) Holt, Tom (Alicia) Knapp, Kate (Matt) Simpson, Bob (Kathy) Knapp, Michael (Lisa) Knapp, Erin (Ed) Lammert, Kerrie (Bob) Burris, Ronald Koder, and Marni Koder.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lt. Henry Weinhardt, Gertrude (Trudy) Dawe Higgins and Donald J Higgins, her sister and brother-in-laws Carole (Higgins) and Rich Hansmann and Dennis Rea.
SERVICES: Funeral services will be held at Kutis Funeral Home Affton Chapel (10151 Gravois Rd., 63123), Monday November 10. Visitation 10-12, Chapel Service 12pm. A private burial to be held at Resurrection Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The BackStoppers, Inc. of St. Louis or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Im so sorry. Shes at peace. Lou and I loved Judy and your family.