Judith Kay Drnec

Judy’s welcoming presence, nurturing nature, and selfless spirit made our world a profoundly more lovely place. On July 9th, 2024, hand in hand with Nina, her daughter, Judith Drnec passed peacefully into Jesus’ warm embrace. Although her family is deeply grieved by her absence in their lives, they rejoice in Judy’s heavenly homecoming and reunion with her beloved husband, Joe.

On January 13th, 1939, in Waterloo, Iowa, Louis and Vera (Boysen) Scroggy were blessed with their first child, a sweet baby girl, named Judith Kay. Six years later, Judy and her parents moved to Brookfield, Illinois, where Judy’s little brother, Kirk, was born.

Judy was a passionate Christian from an early age. She and her family were very active in the Riverside Baptist Church in Brookfield, Illinois. The Scroggy family lived an unpretentious lifestyle. Louie, Judy’s father, worked on fighter planes used during World War II. After the war, Louie and his family moved several more times from apartment to apartment as he hunted for mechanical work. Judy adopted a genuine humility and attitude of gratitude.

Judy was always a lover of animals. She was an excellent caretaker of birds, dogs, and once, even a squirrel. Judy also held a deep reverence for fine arts. She loved music and enjoyed playing the piano and acquired an extensive record collection, dabbled in painting, and enjoyed attending concerts and plays.

The summer of 1957, Judy met her husband, Joe, at their shared workplace, Western Electric. Joe and Judy were married on October 10th, 1959. Joe’s parents welcomed the newlywed couple into the basement suite of their home in Chicago, Illinois.

On June 1, 1961, Judy and her family experienced unimaginable heartache, as her dad Louie, passed away from a heart attack at the young age of 49. Even apart from her family, Judy found great comfort in knowing that her father was saved and praising his savior in eternity.

After disciplined saving, Joe and Judy purchased a home in Berwyn, Illinois. With the birth of their two sons, Tim in 1962, and Andy in 1964, Joe and Judy began building their dream of raising a family together. In 1965, Joe and Judy boldly moved to a rental home in Aurora, Colorado to enrich their vision of their family life. In September of that year, Judy gave birth to a precious baby girl, Kristin, and to her surprise in the delivery room, another baby girl, Nina. Oh yes, surprise identical twins!

Later, in 1965, the Drnecs moved into their newly-built home in East Aurora. That house quickly became a home and thus began its legacy of family togetherness, laughter, and love. In 1968, Vera, Judy’s mom, came to Colorado for a visit which turned into a permanent stay, thanks to Judy’s giving heart and Joe’s grace. A few years later, Kirk also moved in briefly, with Joe and Judy, after completing his service in the Navy.

As a mom of four, Judy juggled the demands of motherhood with one prevailing priority; love, above all else. But boy, did they challenge her! Judy’s heart was constantly in a prayerful state for her children’s safety but offered them unfailing admiration and support in all things. Judy was determined to do her best to instill in her children the Christ-like values of honesty, politeness, kindness, respect, and gratitude.

Once the kids were in high school, Judy returned to the workforce. She was employed with the Bridge International School where she helped international students get settled into their living accommodations here in the States. She was also a secretary/receptionist for the National Jewish Hospital in the Radiology Department. Even as a working mom, Judy remained a dedicated homemaker and prioritized spending time together as a family.

Joe and Judy graciously hosted every major holiday, and many impromptu get-togethers, in their wonderful home. Whether the guests were expected or not, or strangers to them or not, Joe and Judy welcomed them with open arms. Judy had a special way of connecting with people. She not only had a

hunger to learn about things, but about people as well. She could engage in conversation with anyone, driven by a genuine interest in who they are and what they’re about.

Judy’s deep reverence for nature manifested itself all over her life. She lived for the fun of their family adventures: skiing, mushroom hunting, kayaking, and many other little excursions. She was so intentional about reminding her children to live in the moment and appreciate the natural beauty all around them.

In 1972, Joe purchased a membership with a nature and wildlife preserve in Wyoming. The Flying X Ranch was a haven for Judy. The Ranch became a place of relaxation, fellowship, adventure, and natural beauty that the entire family has been able to enjoy for generations, and its legacy will continue for many more.

Judy had nine grandchildren, all of whom absolutely adored her. They endearingly called her “Babi” (short for the Czech word for grandma: babička.) Babi’s backyard was an enchanting place for her grandkids to play, and she would frequently take them to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and have memorable fried-chicken picnics in City Park afterward. The grandkids wouldn’t deny a kiss on the cheek, if it came from Babi. If you had to stay home sick from school, you wanted to be with Babi. Her nurturing endurance was remarkable.

Judy touched each person she came across with her hospitality and undeniable kindness. She was a loving, faithful, tender-hearted, patriotic, giving, and selfless woman who will be missed beyond words and forever rejoiced.

Judy was preceded in passing by her husband, Joseph Drnec. She is survived by her brother, Kirk Scroggy and four children {Tim Drnec, Andy Drnec, Kristin Vigil (Drnec)}, and Nina Whyte (Drnec)} and nine grandchildren {Jessica Whyte, Jordan Saenz, Lexi Saenz, James Vigil, Annmarie Carafa (Vigil,) Blake Drnec, Gina Wald (Whyte), and Louis Vigil.}