Kathryn Jeannette Myers

Judy was born in Ellensburg, Washington, on January 9, 1927, to Frank and Rose Hughes. Her family called her Jeannette, but when she was in grade school, a teacher who recognized her spirited personality nicknamed her “Judy,” saying Jeannette was simply too long to write. The name stayed with her for the rest of her life.

After graduating from Ellensburg High School, Judy attended Central Washington University, where she met a young man, Clayton Myers, returning from WWII. After dating for a year, they were married on August 16, 1947. They built a loving family and raised two sons, David and Stephen. While Clayton taught school in the Highline School District, she went to work at Boeing.

Her true passion, however, was teaching. Judy began her teaching career at St. James Cathedral School, teaching many inner-city kids from tough neighborhoods, challenging backgrounds and dealing with many unmotivated students. Her incredible teaching style and charisma turned them around. Closer to her Burien home, she taught at St. Bernadette School. She later returned to college to further her education and graduated from Seattle University. She went on to teach in the Highline School District, where she continued to inspire and encourage young children until her retirement.

Teaching was more than a career for Judy—it was a calling. She had a natural gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and capable.

Judy had many talents and passions. She was an excellent cook who loved to entertain, and many of her treasured recipes have been passed down through the generations. She was a classically trained pianist who could play beautifully by ear and was often asked to provide music at parties and special events. She also loved to paint, creating artwork treasured for their unique beauty. As an avid reader from an early age, she and Clayton shared a lifelong love of books. They also loved to travel. After retirement, they enjoyed escaping the winter months for warmer places such as Arizona, Palm Springs, and Hawaii. Together they traveled internationally and enjoyed many memorable cruises.

Judy was a longtime member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, where her faith was an important part of her life. Above all, Judy treasured her family. She devoted her life to the people she loved and created a home filled with warmth, music, laughter, good food, and unconditional love. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the students she taught, the friends she cherished, and the many lives she made brighter simply by being herself.

Judy was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 66 years, Clayton. She is survived by her sons, David (Connie) and Stephen (Jackie) Six Grandchildren Christi Mader (Garth), Kim Freyberg (Jim), Heather Robertson (Michael), David Myers Jr., Stephanie Myers & Jody Myers. Nine Great Grandchildren, Taylor Denko (Matt), Chandler, Kylie & Bryn Mader, Kaitlyn & Samantha Myers, and Ella, Gavin & Quinn Robertson. Two Great-Great Grandchildren Blake & Major Denko extended family, and many dear friends who will carry her memory in their hearts. Her life was a gift, her love was a blessing, and her memory will live on through the generations. In lieu of flowers, our family kindly requests donations be made to Seattle Children's Hospital in Kathryn Jeannette Myers memory.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church 30525 8th Ave. S., Federal way, WA 98003, on September 11th, 2026, at 11 a.m.