Judith Joyce (Rice) Tanner entered this world on June 22, 1950, born to Loren and Jessie (Mitts) Rice. On July 14, 2025, she changed her address from her earthly home in Sikeston, MO, to her eternal home in Heaven. Her last few days on this earth were spent surrounded by loved ones who had the privilege of sending her off with songs, prayers, cherished memories, tears, and laughter.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billy Monroe Tanner; her sister, LouAnn (Rice) Simons; her parents; and many other friends and family.

Born in Blodgett, MO, Judy was the youngest of eight children. She grew up with a deep faith in Jesus, a vibrant love for music, and a heart for dogs, cats, turtles, and pretty well every stray animal she came across.Judy met the love of her life, Billy Monroe Tanner, when she was just eight and a half years old. Though she claimed she "hated him" as a child, she always knew he would one day be her husband—and Bill felt the same. They were married on July 20, 1968, at Bird's Corner Assembly of God.

Together they built a life centered on faith and family. Judy is survived by their three children: Matthew (Erin) Tanner and Rebekah (Micah) Harris, both of Sikeston, MO; and Justin (Tara) Tanner of Cedar Chapel, TN. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Ryan (Denae) Bambrough, Caitlyn (Mason) Williams, and Luke Tanner, all of Sikeston; Carolyn, Adelyn, and Evelyn Tanner, all of Cedar Chapel; and two great-grandchildren: Eli Bambrough and Magnolia Williams, both of Sikeston, and last but not least her faithful little dog Sammy who stayed by her side until the very end.

Judy was a devout follower of Jesus and a gifted singer, but one of her most memorable roles in this life was being known as "the Germ Lady". Through her work with the University of Missouri, she passionately taught children about hygiene and healthy eating habits. Many local young adults still recognize and remember the Germ Lady who taught them how to wash their hands.

Though Judy was proud of her work, she was most passionate about her Savior. Her faith defined every aspect of her life. She spent decades teaching Sunday school to both children and adults, playing the piano, and leading worship at churches she attended throughout her life. She was a prayer warrior—unafraid to pray anywhere, anytime. Whether in a grocery store, a parking lot, or someone's home, Judy would stop and lift others up in prayer.

Her children often awoke in the night to the sound of their names being called out to the Lord. Sometimes they would nervously wonder what Mom might know about their lives at that moment. They would even whisper prayers of their own: "Lord, don't let her find out!" Judy prayed for the lost, the broken, and for the seemingly impossible. Her most passionate and oft-repeated plea to God was, "Lord, not one drop of my blood in hell." She meant it. She prayed it fervently over every sibling, child, niece, nephew, and cousin. For many of us, her prayers are why we are here today.

While we will deeply miss Judy's presence on earth, not one of us would ask her to return. She is now in the presence of her Savior, reunited with her beloved Bill and all those who went before her. Her life's testimony remains: "My Redeemer lives!" She fought the good fight, she finished her race, and now she receives her eternal reward.

Well done, Judy. We celebrate with you as you enter into the joy of our Lord.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until time for the funeral service at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Sikeston.

The graveside committal service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield with Mason Williams officiating.

In lieu of flowers, plants and gift items, the family kindly requests memorials be made to Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, 17357 Stars and Stripes Way, Bloomfield, MO  63825

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com