Nov 25, 1939 – May 01, 2025
Judy Marlene (Haines) Duncan, one of the most precious people you’d ever hope to meet, was elevated to the status of a heavenly angel on May 1,2025. Born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, Judy was the first child and eldest daughter of O. Kenneth Haines and Bernice (Rethorst) Haines. She shared her parents love with younger sister, Janet, and younger brother, Ken. It was at the time of her brother Ken’s birth that her momma unexpectedly passed and Judy at 10 years old became “the big girl,” rising to the challenge of doing her very best in all that was asked of her. St. Jerome, a theologian, writer and historian, had a quote, “Good, better, best, never let it rest until your good is better and your better is your best.” This could be said of Judy throughout her life. She was a loving daughter to Tresa Bettis Haines Smith, who became the wife of Judy’s father and brought a mother’s touch to Judy, Janet, and “Kenny” following her mother’s passing.
Judy was bride and best friend to her husband, Willis (Dunk) Duncan, for 67 of her 85 years. Like a pair of cardinals, you could be sure that if you spotted one, the other was nearby. Hand in hand, Judy and Willis navigated life with care, courage, and excitement. Two sons were blessed to have Judy as their mom. Robert and Aaron. Both have grown into exceptional men and are a beautiful reflection of the dedication, nurturing, and steadfast love afforded to them by Judy and Willis. She will rest easy knowing the care given to their sons is given to Willis, who will always know love and security. Judy shared a special bond with her niece, Donna Gustafson, who became like a daughter to Judy after her younger sister’s passing.
Judy became mother-in-law to Aaron’s wife, Leah Licausi, and grandmother of the heart to Leah’s four children, Matthew Licausi (Cara), Emily Holmes, Kevin Holmes (Starla) and Ethan Holmes (Sabrina). She became great grandmother or “Mimi” as she was called by her 12 great grandchildren. In order of age, they are Christian Hardin, Mavrick Legrande, Jeremiah Huffstutler, Jude Anthony Licausi, Cecilia Licausi, Gemma Licausi, Annakah Holmes, Charlotte Holmes, Janiaya Huffstutler, Justice Holmes, Oliver Holmes, Joseph Holmes and honorary granddaughter, Sage Hagerty.
Judy lived a life of abundance. Her friendships were overflowing, and each was handled with care. She was a storyteller and music filled her soul. Her art was incredible. Detailing her life real and imagined. Judy enthusiastically wore “Red hats,” walked with neighbors, lunched with “lips ladies,” became an active member of P.E.O, loved joining friends for dinner theater, loved her bunko gang, traveled throughout the United States and Europe, and volunteered at St. Luke’s East hospital gift shop. To say she was a busy gal was an understatement.
She was a faithful member of her church community and showed her faith through her open heart, her compassion, and listening without judgement. Most of all she was human. She laughed, cried, cussed and discussed, never losing her curiosity or her sense of adventure. She was organized to a fault. Anything you needed to know in her absence was documented and categorized with no detail left out. However, there was no information that told us how we are to be without her. We love you baby momma, our Mimi, Willis’s partner in love and life, our friend and our confidant. You were, and are treasured here, there and everywhere. Until we are together again, keep your eyes on us and know you are always in our hearts.
Celebration of Life will be at the First Presbyterian Church in Lee’s Summit, May 15, 2025.
Visitation at 10:00 am. Service at 11:00 am.
