Judy Ann Pool of Phoenix, Arizona passed away peacefully in her home on September 13, 2022. She was 79 years old. Judy was born February 18, 1943 to Betty (Payne) Miller and Shurl Miller in Kansas City, Missouri. She was the first of two children. Raised in the Catholic faith she graduated from Lillis High School. Although she departed Kansas City with her young family in 1979, Judy remained intensely proud of her Missouri roots and always considered herself to still be a Kansas Citian.

Very popular in high school, she was a cheerleader and active in the Drama Club, notably portraying the lead role of Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun. A terrific student, she graduated at the age of 16. In addition, she was runner-up in the Miss Kansas City pageant. She eventually married Terry Lee Pool of Independence, Missouri and they built a life together focused on raising their five children, all of which they were enormously proud. She lived a life dedicated to her kids and was a master of juggling her motherly duties while always working a full-time job. Despite her work schedule, she still baked cookies for school, went to PTA meetings, was a Cub Scout den mother and never missed a baseball game or school performance for any of her kids no matter how exhausted she may have been.

She was truly a happy warrior, always putting a smile on and powering through whatever challenge life put in her way. She loved to sing and knew the words to every Debbie Reynolds or Elvis song and music provided great comfort to her during her illness. Throughout her life, Judy always was well-liked by everyone she met and was just downright friendly. She met each day with a warm heart and generous spirit and was truly a real beauty in both soul and appearance until she took her last breath.

Judy is survived by four of her children, Terry Lisa, Matthew, Susan and Patrick. In addition she is survived by her seven grandchildren (Bryan, Jack, Karlee, Christopher, Luke, Annie, Matilda) great grandchildren Noah and Tess and beloved brother Larry Miller. Her husband Terry Lee Pool, son Jon Pool and parents Betty (Payne) Miller and Shurl Miller preceded her in death.

There will be no immediate visitation. A memorial service will be held to celebrate her life at a future date. Judy will be put to rest in a private service at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Raytown, Missouri. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in her honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org). Condolences may be left with Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, Arizona (whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com).