Judy Kay Poovey

Judy Kay Miller (Poovey) was born into this world on January 9, 1953, to Harold and Velma Miller in Cherokee, Oklahoma, and grew up on “the Miller farm” near Jet.

Judy LOVED the farm she grew up on; the joy and peace the Oklahoma Sandhills brought her were immeasurable. It remained her most treasured place on Earth until the day she died. The country roads, open spaces, and rural living etched her soul with grit, work ethic, faith in the Lord, and a playful, ornery spirit.

Her cousin Linda (who was born just one day after her) was Judy’s constant companion throughout childhood and “soul sister” throughout life. The two of them raced their Shetland ponies all over the red dirt roads and the rolling hills of grass that surrounded the farm. They sang hymns at the little Vining Community Church down the road on Sundays and spent summers swimming in the pond and snacking on mulberries from the mulberry tree when their farm chores were done. Her years on the farm shaped her character and fostered her love of animals, especially kitties and horses.

Linda will remember her for her kindness, faith, hard work ethic, how gifted she was as a music teacher and the great love for her family.

In high school, Judy played on the girls’ basketball team and excelled in her roles in the school choir and local singing troupe. Her love of music and beautiful singing voice earned her a scholarship to Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, where she went to pursue a musical teaching degree. It was there that she met a young man named John Poovey, whom she would marry on April 14th, 1973. Upon completion of her sophomore year of college, she embarked on her next adventure to start life with John in Loveland, Colorado, where John had secured a teaching and coaching position. Once in Colorado she was awarded another musical scholarship to Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, where she finished her teaching degree and put on a senior recital for the ages.

John will remember her as that beautiful young woman who was willing to go on a date with him that led to her being the love of his life; the one who could light up his day with a smile and whose love and determination allowed her to put up with him for 53 years of marriage.

Judy made a career as an elementary school music teacher, first teaching at Saint John’s, Stanberry, and many other local elementary schools before finding a permanent home at Namaqua Elementary School for 26 years. She was a beloved teacher known for her dedication, enthusiasm, and ability to bring the joy of music to her students. Likewise, she was known for her legendary Christmas programs. The programs were musical theatrical performances that captivated audiences with Santa focused plots that changed every year complete with elaborate hand-painted scenery and handmade props and costumes. Every year, the whole school community anticipated and found joy in attending this spectacular elementary event that showcased the talents and hard work of the fellow teachers, students, parents and Judy. The quality of the event was always top tier; her family are forever so proud of her accomplishments.

Judy and John welcomed two daughters: First, Diana in 1982, followed by Angela in 1986. Judy instilled her daughters with compassion, kindness, and a love of animals. As young girls, she fostered these attributes through various means, including having the girls put on plays for the seniors at rest homes that included songs, dance, and dog tricks. She also facilitated the girls’ volunteering at animal shelters. As well as allowing the girls to have their own mini farm in the city with a plethora of animals over the years.

She had a great imagination and took joy in writing ‘tooth fairy notes’ signed by “Twinkles, the tooth fairy” herself. Along with being sure the reindeer and Santa finished the large plate of cookies and carrots left by the girls… and completed it with a special note from Santa following their “feast”.

She also grew work ethic in her daughters through plenty of chore lists and projects around the home. It was important to her that they were capable of doing a hard day’s work… but had a knack for cultivating an environment of finding satisfaction after difficult tasks were accomplished. There was always a little celebration, like a trip to A&W for a root beer float after the ‘big’ job was done.

Her daughters remember her as a loving and supportive mom who was always there to lend a helping hand and offer encouraging words.

Upon retirement, Judy and John set out to follow Judy's passion for horses and bought a horse boarding property in Loveland that they went on to name Summer Breeze Ranch as a nod to the summer days spent riding horses back in Oklahoma. Along with her daughter Diana, they developed a "barn" community with rich relationships and experiences that brought her joy and purpose in her sunset years. She was known to her "barn family" for her chipper, cheerful spirit, constant smile and her sincere investment in them as individuals. Her caring heart created a loving, family environment for everyone who was associated with the barn.

Judy was blessed with four grandchildren who brought her immense joy. Diana's boys, Jack (12) and Cody (9), as well as Angela's children, Eddy (4) and Addy (2). Jack and Cody will remember Grandma for keeping them well-fed, always taking them to fun places, and planning fun activities for their weekly visits. They will fondly recall the backyard "bonfires", the squirrel traps, and the goldfish pond they built in the backyard sand pit. Eddy and Addy will remember Grandma for her hugs and fun activities that included washing toy cars and animal figures in Grandma’s bubbling foot spa. Additionally, they will remember her lovingly made “car snacks” that she always prepared for them to enjoy on the ride home.

Her steadfast faith in the Lord was constant throughout her life. She served the church for many years by singing in the choir and serving as an elder. But it wasn’t just her church attendance that proved her Christian faith; it was the way she treated people and cared for them. It was the Christian radio station that was a staple on her car radio and the scripture stuck all over her house on sticky notes and scrap paper … her Bible was worn and written in. Judy truly knew the Lord.

Her unwavering faith and love for Jesus is how we know she is now in paradise. We can only imagine the breathtaking beauty and peace she is experiencing as she gallops her horses across the fields of heaven. She is now free of the broken, earthly body that plagued her in her final years with us. Praise God for that peace.

Judy is preceded in death by parents Harold and Velma Miller, brother Frank Miller, and brother Michael Miller. She is survived by husband John Poovey, daughter Diana Duncan, son-in-law Kyle Duncan, grandsons Jack and Cody Duncan, daughter Angela Poovey, son-in-law Michael Graese, grandchildren Eddy and Addy Graese, sister Connie Currie, and Cousin Linda Nulik and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to a cause near to Judy’s heart in her honor:

The celebration of life will be:

June 1st, 2026 at 11:00 am at Foundations Church 1380 N Denver Ave, Loveland, CO 80537

Donate to a treasured barn-family’s expenses while they fight a critical battle with cancer.

https://www.givesendgo.com/GKBG5

Donate to Judy’s childhood church that is still spreading the love of Jesus in rural Oklahoma

https://www.givesendgo.com/vining-community-church-donation-in-hono