Judith K. Slagle

Judy K. Slagle passed from her earthly life on April 11, 2026 at the age of 76. Judy was born on March 2nd, 1950 in St. Louis, Missouri, to Arthur and Mary Heine. She graduated from McCluer High School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District in 1968 and went to work for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company. Judy met her future husband Marty Slagle while working at Coca-Cola. They were married on May 24th, 1969 and enjoyed 44 years of marriage before Marty passed away in August of 2013.

Judy was born to be a mom and loved all the time spent with her children and family. When she married Marty at the young age of 19 she stepped into a ready-made family. Marty’s first wife had tragically died in a car accident leaving him with three very young children, ages 9 months, 2 and 3 years old. Judy became a mom to them at their ages of 7, 9, and 10 (Sue, Cyndi and Van). A big job for anyone but especially a 19-year-old. But she embraced it and made their family whole again.

She was an amazing mom to all three children. Then in 1979 and 1982 they were blessed with adding two more children (Kevin and Keith) to their family. She then got to experience the joy and wonders of being a mom to newborns and she was awesome. She was also like a second mom to her sister’s son, Scott and would have him come over for a week each summer to “Slagle Camp” which he loved!

She worked for the Fort Zumwalt School district for over 30 years. First as a part time cook for years then moving into a full-time head cook position at Pheasant Point Elementary School and finally as a night custodian at Emge Elementary School before retiring in 2015. She was also a part of the outdoor camp program run by Fort Zumwalt at Quiver River State Park each fall. Judy LOVED spending six weeks each year making three meals a day for hundreds of fifth grade campers. She was highly thought of by the administration, for her commitment and dedication and formed so many lasting friendships with all the staff associated with the program. As well as all the administrators she worked for in the district, they couldn’t say enough good things about having Judy as an employee.

Judy although quiet and reserved at times could also be the life of the party at family gatherings. Always making sure everyone is having a good time and had plenty to eat and games or activities to do. She loved all things Disney, the movies the songs (which she knew ALL the words), and of course Disneyland and Disney World where her favorite ride was “It’s a Small World”. Judy shared the love of anything Hallmark with her daughter in law Vanessa, and any given day could be found watching those movies over and over and over. They loved a happy ending. But, of course, on the flip side she loved sharing “The Walking Dead” series with her daughter Cyndi and son-in-law Ernie.

After her husband passed away her sister Jane and brother-in-law Tony fixed up their basement as an apartment for Judy so she wouldn’t be living alone. She and her sister were so close and they truly enjoyed each other’s company. They were blessed with over 8 years of living together before her health started to decline.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents Arthur Heine (2005) Mary Heine (2009) her husband Marty (2013) and oldest son Van (2025). She is survived by her four children and one daughter -in-law, Cyndi (Ernie) Ferguson, Sue Stoner (Keith Steinhoff), Kevin (Vanessa) Slagle, and Keith (Michelle) Slagle, and Jenny Slagle (wife of the late Van Slagle). Her 12 grandchildren and her 11 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law Jane and Tony Wilbas and her nephew Scott Wilbas. As well as her brother-in- law and sister-in law Denzil and Olga Shepard, and other nieces and nephews. Her dear cousins Debbie Strodl and Vicki Cichon. And so many friends from Fort Zumwalt School District.

Judy will be remembered most for being the person she was. Compassionate, kind, loyal, trustworthy, very high work ethic, strong, not afraid to speak her mind when needed, friend to so many, independent, and eager to help anyone she could. Best wife, mom, grandma, great grandma, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. She will be so missed by all who knew her, worked with her and loved her.

The family is planning a private celebration of life and graveside burial in late June. In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations can be made in her name to: Leaps of Love or Friends of Kids with Cancer.