Judith M. Wildman

Judi passed away on February 25, 2021, at Delmar Gardens in Overland Park, KS, due to COPD complications.  In October 2020, Judi moved to Merriam, KS, after residing in White City, KS, for nearly 50 years.

Judi's parents Herman Perry and Inez Marie (Warren) Behrens migrated from Topeka, KS, to Los Angeles, CA, where she was born on August 13, 1941.  Judi was especially close to her grandparents, George and Katherine Warren.  She graduated from Downey High School, Downey, CA, in 1959.  Prior to leaving California, Judi worked as a bookkeeper at Frederick's of Hollywood and was head of payroll for Esgro, Inc.

On July 10, 1965, Judi married James L. Wildman, Jr., in Long Beach. CA. They relocated to White City in 1971 and later divorced in 1990.

Judi worked for the White City School, the White City Housing Authority, and retired from the City of White City as City Clerk in 2009. She was involved in many civic organizations.  Judi was a 32-year member and past-president of the Teddy L. Wilde Unit #299 American Legion Auxiliary; founding board member for the Morris County Crime Stoppers; and served on the boards for the White City Library and White City Housing Authority.  Judi organized the White City Red Hatters and enjoyed many (mis)adventures around Kansas with the group.

After retirement, Judi began crocheting homemade blankets for the Topeka Chapter of Project Linus.  Judi made hundreds of blankets delivered to children in hospitals and foster care across Northeast Kansas.  She loved her coffee, the Flint Hills in Spring, driving country roads (sometimes with a roadie), and anything K-State!

Preceding her in death are her beloved grandparents, her parents, and her sister, Rae Claire "Sissy" Sutton.  Judi is survived by her daughter, Michele (Shawn) O'Malley, Shawnee, KS and son, Michael Wildman, Chapman, KS. Beyond all Judi loved spending time with her grandchildren: Tucker, Abe, Blake, Dean, Clare & Gus. Judi is survived by her brothers, Perry (Colleen) Behrens, David (Stephanie) Behrens, and Don (Vicki) Behrens, all of California, and her lifelong friends, Russ and Maggie Schweitzer, of White City.

It was Judi's wish to be cremated and she did not want a big funeral.  When the Flint Hills are green and COVID-19 restrictions allow, her family will place her ashes per her request.  Remember Judi while hoisting your favorite coffee or cowboy lemonade.