Tonya Judd

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Tonya Marie (Hailey) Judd, age 71 of Joplin, passed away at 1:05 PM on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Landmark Hospital in Joplin.

Tonya was born on December 27, 1954 to the union of Raymond H. Hailey and Harriet S. (Jordan) Hailey. She graduated from Joplin Memorial High School with the Class of 1972 and was a lifetime resident of the Joplin area.

Many students of Joplin Schools would remember her as a bus aide, a job that she carried out with love for each individual child for over 20 years. She also cared for children in her home babysitting for several families throughout the years. She enjoyed attending Park Place Church when her health would allow, canning foods, and visiting flea markets to look for the best collectible trinkets and Longaberger Baskets. She was the best wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She had a special connection with each of her grandchildren. To Cade, he was her "boyfriend" and she was his "little woman," and she always referred to Cadie-Marie as "Judy".

She was united in marriage with C. "Shannon" Judd on September 15, 1972 in Joplin. He survives of the home.

Additional survivors include one daughter, Stephanie Stapleton (husband, Chad) of Galena; two grandchildren, Cade Stapleton (wife, Chloe) of Commerce, OK; and Cadie-Marie Harshman (husband, Austin) of Baxter Springs, KS; six great-grandchildren, Aaliyah, Christopher, Andrea, Scarlett, Stetson, and Copelyn; one brother, Chip Hailey (wife, Linda) of Joplin; one sister, Sherry Garrett (husband, Bob) of Joplin; her dear friends, Becky Hodson (husband, Bruce) of Joplin, and Joyce Smith (husband, Mark) of Joplin, Gary and Sandy Wintjen of Waco, MO, and Michelle Sanders (husband, Mark); and her bonus daughter, Christy VanAuker of Riverton, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Harriet Hailey; and one sister, Carla Hailey.

The family would like to thank Landmark hospital for their kind loving and compassionate care given to Tonya. A special thanks to Dr. Khan, nurse Stephanie and Mary Otey.

Mrs. Judd has been entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home of Galena for cremation. A memorial service will take place at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at the funeral home. Pastor Aaron Polok will officiate.

A visitation will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026 from 6-7:00 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bright Futures of Joplin in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.