Judy A. Worster

Judith A. Worster, 73, of Keokuk, Iowa died Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at the River Hills Village in Keokuk, IA. She was born January 31, 1939 in Ottumwa, IA the daughter of Paul and Genevieve "Jean" Brown Mahannah. On June 11, 1961 she was united in marriage to Richard C. Worster at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Keokuk, IA. He preceded her in death on November 11, 2009. Judy moved to Keokuk when she was four years old. She attended Keokuk public schools and graduated from Keokuk High School with the class of 1957. Judy then went to the Keokuk Community College where she received her AA degree and also attended University of Colorado at Boulder. Judy first began her teaching career in Mediapolis, IA as a kindergarten teacher. She then taught second grade at Wells Carey Elementary. Judy helped organize and was the first teacher for the Hamilton Cooperative Preschool in Hamilton, IL. Throughout the years Judy was a substitute teacher in the Central Lee, Keokuk Public and Catholic school districts and as an ABE/GED and ESL instructor for ten years at Southeastern Community College in Keokuk. She had also been employed at the Keokuk Art Center and by her church as Christian Education and Youth Director for nine years. Judy was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader for Hawthorne School for many years. She was a charter member and first president of local Chapter EG T.T.T. and served as T.T.T. State Convention Chairman and as an Iowa State T.T.T. Historian for one year. She was a member and past president of Chapter U, P.E.O. She and Richard were Crusade and Chapter chairman of local ACS Cancer chapter for several years. Judy was an active member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Keokuk, IA where she participated as a church school teacher, a member of the choir and had been on several committees. She was the first female to serve as St. Paul U.C.C. Consistory president and one of the first three women to serve as Elders. Judy loved to spend time with her family and friends. She always stayed in touch and gained much pleasure from corresponding with handwritten letters to family and friends including former students. The time she spent with her grandchildren was priceless and the memories that were made will live on in their hearts forever. She is survived by one daughter, Wendy Cole and her fiancé Stephen "Mac" McMillan of Charlotte/Concord NC, one son, Stephen Worster and his wife Andrea of Keokuk, IA, one grandson, Brendan Worster of Keokuk, IA, one granddaughter, Addalyn Worster of Keokuk, IA, one sister, Shirley Haas and her husband Charles of LaCrosse, WI, one brother, David Mahannah and his wife Trudy of Ludington, MI, one sister-in-law, Mary Bartels and her husband Eston of Iowa City, IA, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many wonderful friends. She was also preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and a cousin. A Celebration of Life service was held at 11 a.m.,Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Keokuk, IA with Reverend Matt Hunt officiating. Burial was in the Keokuk National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the University of Iowa, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, in honor of Dr. Sarah Holstein and Dr. Raymond Hohl for continued cancer research.