Julia Kay Paige

Julia (Judy) Kay Atkinson Paige, lifelong resident of the White City Community, passed from this life to Eternity on August 24, 2024. 

Judy was born on November 28, 1939 in Emporia to Everett and Ethel (Poff) Atkinson. She joined her older brother Roland in the home. Roland and Judy remained the best of friends from that first day to her last.

When Judy was five years old, the family returned to White City where she attended school from first grade through her high school graduation. School was where Judy met Jerry (Bill) Paige and they began their courtship. Bill and Judy married on June 12, 1960. They started their married life setting up their home in the upstairs three rooms at his grandmother’s home on the farm south of White City. Eventually they would buy a home and move just across the section to continue their careers as a farmer and homemaker. Bill and Judy were true partners on the farm whether feeding hogs, checking cattle or in later years riding through the Flint Hills pasture in their Gator UTV looking for new calves or for musk thistle to eradicate.

Judy was an active member of the White City Christian Church where she taught Sunday school for many years. She also served as the Sunday School director organizing youth activities and the annual Christmas pageant.

The couple were blessed with three children: Angela Ann in 1962, Kamela Kay in 1964 and Jerry William Jr. in 1965. Judy was always involved in her children’s activities and sports, supporting them in whatever capacity was needed.

Judy enjoyed needlework, especially embroidery and sewing. She often made clothes for her growing family. She loved Christmas and making the holiday memorable for her family.

As the family grew, Judy became “Grammy” to her ten grandchildren, Jerod, Jacob (Madison), Jace (Samantha) Beavers, Sara (Tyler) Baxter, Kayla (Ryan) Aguilar, Eryka Paige, Branden Paige, Kyler (Tanna) Kasten, Kilynn (Zeb) Elliott and Kasey (Tanner) Anderson, and many of their friends. Grammy rarely missed a game, recital or program and was their biggest cheerleader. She applauded their accomplishments and victories and comforted them in their losses. 

Grammy’s delight in her family grew as 14 great-grandchildren: Kamryn, Kymber, Kreyton, Kale, Kannen, Allison, Kycen, Jesse, Koy, Keeley, Nate, Watson, Kohen and Leah, entered her life. Each was a cherished gift. She loved attending their birthday parties and activities, once again taking up her position in the crowd on the bleachers. 

Judy lost her partner, Bill, in June of 2014. She stayed at the farm, continuing to make rounds on her Gator, helping to provide meals, move equipment and ferry farmers from field to field. She also made sure the candy jar was full for any hungry little visitor who might come through the door. 

In January 2023, she moved to the Morris County Assisted Living facility in Council Grove where she made a circle of new friends. They enjoyed putting puzzles together, playing bingo and shopping for special finds at the local thrift store which she bestowed on her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The caring staff at the facility was quickly added to her family. 

Judy was proceeded in death by her husband, Bill, parents, Everett and Ethel, infant sister, Letitia, and grandson Branden. In her final days she talked enthusiastically of joining them all again with her Savior in heaven.

She is survived by her beloved brother Roland; children: Angela (Pat) Beavers, Kamela (Gary) Henault, Jerry (Dianne)Paige; sister-in-law Patty (Tom) MacLaird, brother-in-law Larry (Linda) Paige; her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and a large circle of friends.

The family will receive visitors from 5 – 7:00 pm, at the Methodist Church Simmon’s Hall in White City on Thursday, August 29, 2024.

A funeral service will be held the following day at the White City Christian Church at 10:00am. Interment will follow at Clarks Creek Cemetery near Latimer.

Judy specified memorials in her memory go to the White City Christian Church and the White City Ball Association.