Judith Marie “Judy” Carter, a longtime Hiawatha resident, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, surrounded by family, at the age of 81. Judy was born February 5, 1944, at St. Joseph, Missouri, the daughter of Walter and Thelma Metz Adams, and grew up in St. Joseph. Judy worked as a cook most of her adult life. She especially enjoyed her years cooking meals for Headstart Preschool children, including her granddaughters. She also worked at Maple Leaf Restaurant under the ownership of Helen Melster. She also ran the Robinson Café for a couple of years prior to working at the Hiawatha Lodge restaurant, where she suffered a back injury, which left her disabled. Judy married Kenneth L. Clements on February 27, 1960. They later divorced. Judy then married Dennie E. “Pop” Carter on September 28, 1991. They had 8 years of happiness before Pop passed away on December 30, 1998. Judy enjoyed crocheting, making western shirts, crafts of all kinds, and gardening. She was a talented artist, painting farm scenes and animals on all sorts of items: milk cans, sawblades, stoneware, and canvas. Her kids all say she was the best cook ever! Judy was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, four brothers, and a sister. She is survived by her five children: William L. Clements (Teresa) of Hiawatha, Rory E. Clements (Sara) of Morrill, KS, Kent L. Clements of Colorado, Patrick W. Clements (Dotty) of St. Joseph, a daughter Tammy L. Clements of Falls City, NE; 10 grandchildren: Remington, Hannah, Kassandra, Levi, Brandon, Justina, Kristin, Chaz, Jack, Christopher; 10 great-grandchildren: Shannacee, Azra, Aryauna, Paisly, Zoey, Aubrey, Ava, Ruger, Sutton, Eli; and a great-great-grandchild Rinley. She is also survived by a brother, Jerry Adams of St. Joseph. Judy’s wish was to be cremated with a private family service to be held at the Hiawatha Cemetery at a later date. Those wishing to contribute to the NEK Hospice in her memory may send donations in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha, 66434. A message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com