Judith Ann Hartshorn

Judith Ann “Judy” Farber Hartshorn, 86, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on May 19, 2026, joining her beloved husband, Larry, in heaven on what would have been his 93rd birthday. Born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1939, in El Dorado, Kansas, Judy was the daughter of Neal Farber and Mary VanSant Farber.

Judy graduated from El Dorado High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from Pittsburg State University. On June 19, 1966, she married the love of her life, Larry Hartshorn, at the First Baptist Church in El Dorado.

She began her teaching career in the junior high and high schools of Hiawatha, Kansas, before settling in Concordia, Kansas, where she taught for more than thirty years alongside Larry. Together, they taught, coached, and built a life rich with family and friends until their retirement in 1992. Whether at a ballgame, out for a drive, or tending the garden and flower-filled yard they loved so much, Judy and Larry were rarely apart.

If you knew Judy, you knew her love of cooking, of flowers in every corner, of Hallmark movies and a good book, and above all her devotion to her family and friends. Most of all, you heard about Taylor, her only grandchild, and the complete apple of her eye. You may have attended the church she and Larry helped start, where she played the piano with joy. Her deep love for and acceptance of Jesus as her Savior was evident to everyone who knew her.

Judy faced a decade-long battle with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s with remarkable courage and strength, never losing the softness and sense of humor that brought smiles and love to those around her, even in her darkest days.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry, and her parents, Neal and Mary Farber. Judy is survived by her sons, Brock Hartshorn of Red Cloud, Nebraska, and Neal Hartshorn of the Kansas City area; her bonus daughter by marriage, Amanda Hartshorn of Topeka, Kansas; her cherished grandson, Taylor Hartshorn of Colorado Springs; her younger sister, Joan Dawson, and brother-in-law, Doug Dawson, of Lawrence, Kansas; and many other loved ones.

No memorial service will be held. To honor Judy, simply enjoy a red geranium and a butterfinger, her favorites. The simple things in life are the best things, and she made the simple life beautiful for so many over the years. Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to an Alzheimer’s research organization of the donor’s choice.

Judy will be laid to rest beside Larry at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, Kansas.