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Sister Judy Stephens died December 14, 2025, at NCK Medical Center in Concordia. She was 84 years old and a Sister of St. Joseph for 64 years. She was born in Denver, CO, on September 9, 1941, to Robert and Elsie Suter Stephens, the first of six children, and was baptized Judith Ann. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia on September 8, 1960. On August 15, 1961, Judy received the habit of the Sisters of St. Joseph and was given the name Sister Paul Michael, later returning to her baptismal name. She pronounced first vows on August 15, 1962, and final vows on August 15, 1967.

Sister Judy received a BA degree from Marymount College in Salina, KS in Theology in 1968, and a MA in 1973 from the University of Detroit in Religious Education. She furthered her education at the Mexican-American Cultural Center and the Instituto International de las Americas, Saltillo, Mexico. Sister Judy had a diverse career ranging from teaching, community leadership, working with refugees and being a leader on social justice, ecology and Hispanic issues.

Sister Judy was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and one brother. She is survived by two sisters, Mary Lou Van Eaton and JoAnne Crispin and one brother, Robert. A Rosary will be said December 21 at 6:30 p.m. A Bible Vigil Service will be held December 22 at 9:00 a.m. with Sister Marcia Allen as the eulogist. The Mass of Christian Burial will be December 22 at 10:30 a.m. with Father Barry Brinkman presiding. All services will be in the Motherhouse Chapel. The burial will be in the Nazareth Motherhouse Cemetery. Chaput-Buoy Mortuary, 325 W. 6th St., Concordia, KS is in charge of arrangements. Memorials for Sister Judy Stephens may be given to the Sisters of St. Joseph Health Care/ Retirement Fund or the Apostolic Works of the Sisters; P.O Box 279, Concordia, KS 66901. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.