Judy Ann Morrison

Judy Ann Morrison, age 80, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, after courageously fighting cancer for 14 years and its grueling treatments, Parkinson’s disease, and other health challenges with extraordinary strength, grit and grace.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 6,1946, Judy was the daughter of Elton Keith and Mary Marguerite (Boterman) Schifferns. She was preceded in death by her parents and her younger brother, Edward Elton Schifferns.

Judy is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 58 years, Kenneth Patrick Morrison; her daughters, Kendra Ann Morrison, Kelley Renee Morrison, and Kristi Jo Sokol and her husband, Jon Sokol; and her beloved grandchildren, Annika Sokol and Paul Sokol.

From an early age, Judy demonstrated determination and perseverance. She loved sports and told many tales of being faster than all the boys. She was a baton twirler in high school and also competed in many beauty pageants growing up. She graduated as Valedictorian of Arriba High School and, determined to pursue her dreams, sold her car to attend beauty school along with a scholarship when higher education opportunities for women were not encouraged. Despite not attending college, she exhibited intellectual curiosity and studied medical information of interest to her. That independent spirit would become a hallmark of her life.

While living in Arriba and operating her own beauty salon, Ken asked Judy to marry him in his Dodge Charger on the way to Limon from Arriba. She married Ken on June 15,1968.

Over the years, Judy worked as a cosmetologist alongside her barber brother and later held positions at Plains Medical Center, Hoffman Drug, Mountain View Electric Association, and several other workplaces throughout her career. Wherever she worked, she was known for her strong work ethic, kindness, and willingness to help others. She spent the bulk of her life living in Colorado where she raised her family.

Above all, Judy was devoted to her family. She encouraged her daughters to study and work hard, do their best, never give up, and understand the power of education and ability to be self-reliant. She rarely missed a sporting event, school activity, or milestone for her children and grandchildren, always offering her unwavering support and encouragement. She was the person family members called when they needed advice, guidance, or simply someone to listen.

Judy was also blessed with a lifelong friendship with Cecelia Williams, whom she met in first grade, and Cecelia’s husband, Willy. Together they shared countless treasured memories, including time at the drugstore soda shop, roller skating, dancing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, Hawaiian vacations and years of laughter, friendship, and adventure.

A talented artist, Judy enjoyed creating oil paintings and watercolors with Western and wildlife themes. She was a very talented clarinetist, and she inspired her girls to play it growing up. She loved classic country music and her favorite artist was Elvis Presley. She was a talented seamstress and made many clothes and prom dresses over the years. She was also a wonderful cook whose meals brought family and friends together. She had an eye for design, and loved decorating the family home and creating a place of warmth, comfort, and love. She was also an immaculate housekeeper. Family gatherings always included delicious favorite dishes, outdoor games, kite flying and puzzles.

To those who knew her best, Judy’s greatest gift was her strength. Through every challenge life placed before her, she faced adversity with courage, determination, and dignity. Her resilience inspired everyone around her, and her love remains woven into the lives of her family and friends.

Judy will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, trusted friend, gifted artist, excellent cook, generous and selfless soul, and the strongest person her family has ever known. Her legacy of perseverance, compassion, and unconditional love will continue to guide those who were fortunate enough to know her.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.