Beech Tree News Network

Our family will always remember September 24, 2021 as the day our beloved wife, mom, mamaw, sister and friend Judy Guffy Keown met Jesus. It was a meeting she had prepared for her entire life.

Judy alway believed that life’s journey was made better by those God linked together as family to share love, memories and faith throughout her 80 years. Those loved ones in her Guffy clan, who preceded her on this journey, include her mother Loleta Guffy Young, father William Ray Guffy, grandparents Luther and Effie Embry Moore, brother Donald Guffy, stepfather J.B. Young and sisters Nadine Hart Bottoms and Janice Combs.

.udy considered her greatest legacy and riches blessing on this earth was to leave a family of saved Christ believers. She shares that proud legacy with her husband of 66 years, Luchen Keown Jr.

Judy’s life and remembrance will be cherished by daughter Karen Keown, son William “Bill” Keown (Elaine), granddaughter Sarah Keown Henderson (Josh) Fort Leonard Woods, MO, grandson Josh Keown, Louisville, sister Sue Bosse (Buddy) Louisville, and brother Larry Guffy (Joyce). Judy dearly treasured her numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to recognize Jean Guffy and Twanna Phelps who loved and care for Judy. Judy also leaves her church family at Woodbury Baptist where she was a member and Sunday School teacher.

Judy was truly gifted and her talents were numerous. If you knew her, you already know she loved people and she never waited for you to speak first. She would walk across the store, street, church or a parking lot to make sure you knew you were important to her. Judy had a spectacular sense of humor and loved laughing. She would relentlessly invite you to church and if you ask her to pray for you then rest assured it happened! She was genuinely happy for every great thing that happened in your life. She was never jealous of what anyone had but, took great joy in seeing their blessings and accomplishments.

Two events that shaped Judy’s tenaciousness in life, family and business was being born during World War II and losing her father at age 10. She was one of the early female realtors in Butler County. She was also an Apprentice Auctioneers License and Real Estate Broker. In 1977, Judy was recognized by Bowling Green Realty as Top Sales Agent for over $1 million dollars in sales. Unlike today it took a lot of houses and farms to total $1 million dollars. This was a honor she received several times other times while working at Buddy Adams Realty.

Judy and her husband genuinely loved the farming community of Sugar Grove and Little Muddy. Those cherished friendships grew while they owned Kuntry Korner Market. As farmers themselves, there was a true appreciation for those core values of community, faith and hard work as detailed in her weekly column “ Kuntry Korner New” in The Green River Republican. She chronicled life behind the counter of a country store and the people and harvest seasons that made our part of Butler County special.

Judy’s list of talents continued to grow throughout her life and her many artistic talents painting, piano, children’s book author were discovered after she was promoted to the title of Mamaw. That was her favorite job title and she always said it had the best job benefits. Judy’s loved to paint botanicals as they captured God’s amazing color and design. She had her works displayed at the Kentucky State Fair along with local art venues. (Tribute to her great teacher Ms. Barbara).

Like all great mothers, Judy took care of every family member and her passing is no exception. In 2011, Judy was an Awana Teacher at Woodbury Baptist Church and as a class project they wrote “My Story.” Mom’s story was entitled “The Little Girl with a Million Dollar Smile that God Watched Over”. Self-described as a happy person throughout her life and blessed that her grandmother took her to church where she learned about God and prayer. The core principle of her faith was developed during her childhood living separate from her mother and dearly loved brothers and sisters. Judy loved giving thanks for all the blessings in her life. If you knew her, you have heard her say aloud “Thank you Jesus”. She was filled with a heart of gratitude and knew who provided all the blessings of life. To quote moms life story “Judy still has her million dollar smile because she knows how much Jesus loves her and He loves you as well. May God bless each of you!”

Judy was a passionate supporter of St. Jude’s if you wish to honor her memory.

As the people who most loved Judy, we invite you to celebrate her amazing love and kindness at Smith Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 with visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. until funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Funeral service will be conducted by Bro. Murl Gray. Burial at Hill Haven Cemetery.