Judith "Judy" Coleen Box

On Sunday, February 11, 2024, Judith (Judy) Coleen Box left her life here on earth to be with our Lord and Savior. Surrounded by her loving family, she passed peacefully.

Judy was born in Newton, Kansas on September 22, 1938 to William and Josephine Pulaski. She was preceded in death by her husband, Duane, her parents, two sisters, Iris Pulaski and Pauline Gray, two brothers, Merle Pulaski and Kenneth Pulaski, one son-in-law Gene Krueger and one great-grandson, Tegan Spunaugle. She is survived by her sister, Betty Roth of Newton.

Judy was proud of the family that grew from her nearly 63 years of marriage to the love of her life, Duane Box, who she married on June 6, 1954. From this love came four beautiful daughters; Cindy (John) Phillips, Debbie (Larry) Morse, Vicky (Randy) Siebert, and Joni (Gene) Krueger. She was proud of her seven wonderful grandchildren; Matthew (Katie) Phillips, Leslie Ann (Justin) Kraemer, Brandon Morse, Erin (Jesse) Schmidtberger, Kyle (Keely) Krueger, Abby (Kaleb) Spunaugle and Annie Siebert, but the sparkle in her eye came from ten extra special great-grandchildren; Karson Phillips, Karli Phillips, Wyatt Harvey, Quillan Kraemer, Vincent Higgins, Zoie Higgins, Hadley Spunaugle, Huxton Spunaugle, Kollyns Jo Spunaugle, and Carter Lara.

Judy attended Newton High School where she graduated in 1956. Following the birth of  their first daughter, and while expecting her second (unbeknownst to her mother), Judy traveled abroad and spent time in Darmstadt - Eberstadt Germany while Duane served his country. Their second daughter was born while living on the base. Judy loved telling about the cultural experiences of life in Germany.

With four active daughters at home, and a multitude of their friends frequently visiting their house, Judy became affectionately know as "Mom" Box. she was also very active and dedicated to her girls through the local Parent Teacher Association. In her later years, Judy applied that same dedication to her membership in the local sisterhood of Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.).

Judy and Duane worked as a team for many years in their Box Air Conditioning business. Judy had a passion for garage sale-ing and attending craft shows, particularly at Christmas time. She had many interests and hobbies, but she was always most proud of her counted cross-stitch designs. She loved nothing more than to create unique shirts, or jackets for the special people in her life. During their retirement years, Judy enjoyed annual winter camping trips to south Texas with husband Duane and other members of various camping groups. 

Judy loved the Christmas holidays. She looked forward to a houseful of family celebrating the season together. She loved to play board games and especially loved a rowdy game of Scrabble! For many years, Judy would bake countless dozens of the world's best sugar cookies. Judy and Duane would then dress up as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and deliver cookies to family and friends on Christmas Eve. 

The community of Newton has lost a very lovely lady. You will be missed. God be with you. 

A private family service will be in Greenwood Cemetery with a Celebration of Life planned for a future date.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association and left in care of Petersen Family Funeral Home.