Judith “Judy” Mariella Maxwell, 86, of Rayville, went to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Oak Ridge Assisted Living in Richmond.
Judy was born on November 22, 1939, in Hannibal, the daughter of John and Ozetta Cavanaugh. She was united in marriage to Larry Maxwell of Rayville on June 7, 1964; they shared 61 loving years of marriage; he survives of the home.
Additional survivors include: son, Wesley (Shannan) Maxwell of Ray County; two grandsons, Quinton and D’Tanyon Maxwell; sister-in-law, Betty Trumble; numerous nieces and nephews in Texas and Massachusetts also survive.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ozetta Cavanaugh, sister, Barbara Johnson, and brother, Clifford Toynbee.
Judy met the love of her life, Larry, while both were working for TWA in Kansas City, their paths crossing during a late-night bowling league at 2:00 A.M. The two were united in marriage in Paola, Kansas-Judy’s hometown-while Larry was home on leave from the United States Navy. Judy was raised and educated in Paola and later attended Pittsburg State College. Following Larry’s military service, the couple made their home in Kansas City before settling in Rayville, Missouri, in 1972, where they would build their life together.
A lifelong animal lover, Judy had a special fondness for horses and began riding at a young age. Her compassion extended to all animals, and she made certain that none ever went hungry under her care. Professionally, Judy dedicated more than 30 years as a school bus driver for Wollard and Fowlers Bus Companies. She also worked as a cook at Mary’s Diner and later served for many years as the head cook at Richmond R-XVI High School.
Above all else, Judy was devoted to her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose greatest joy was supporting those she loved. She never missed her son’s or grandsons’ activities, faithfully attending sporting events, band and choir performances, church functions, and Scout Camp visitor Sundays-always arriving with food and homemade pies to share.
Judy found great happiness in baking and cooking for others, preparing pies, cakes, gooseberry pie, Wes’s Chocolate Pie, and countless Christmas cookies for family and friends. No one ever left Judy’s home hungry-if you did, it was only because you refused her generous hospitality.
Judy was a faithful member of the United Christian Presbyterian Church of Richmond, Missouri, where she lived out her life of service, kindness, and love for others.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions either be made to the United Christian Presbyterian Church of Richmond, MO, or the Ray County Humane Society. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
Visitation with funeral services will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the United Christian Presbyterian Church in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 9:30 A.M., with services to follow at 10:30 A.M. Burial will be held at 12:00 P.M., following services, in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville. Please remember to share your memories of Judy with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.
Visitation with funeral services will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the United Christian Presbyterian Church in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 9:30 A.M., with services to follow at 10:30 A.M. Burial will be held at 12:00 P.M., following services, in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
