Judith Lynn Weber (Judy Hughes), 85, of Salina, Kansas, passed away after a battle with cancer on April 29, 2026. A passionate chemical dependency counselor, Judy often said her greatest joy in life was being a mother and grandmother. She was known for driving thousands of miles to attend her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and concerts and for keeping plenty of treats on hand for anyone who stopped by. Few things brought her more happiness than time spent with family.

Judy was born April 4, 1941, in Hays, Kansas. As the daughter of FBI agent Larry Hughes, she lived in several cities growing up, including Newark, New Jersey; New Orleans; San Antonio, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri; Topeka, Kansas; and Kansas City, Kansas, though she always considered Salina home. She graduated from Salina Central High School in 1959 and attended Monticello College in Godfrey, Illinois.

She later married John Anderson of Salina. Together they had four children and remained supportive partners in raising their family.

Judy is survived by her children: Brad Anderson (Jane) of Salina; Mike Anderson (Linda) of Castle Rock CO; Doug Anderson (Becky) of Topeka KS; and Beth Easter (Greg) of Lawrence, KS. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; her sister and dear friend, Katie Utter; and Katie’s children, Jennifer Simoneau, Melissa Baker, and Darrin Duff.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Larry Hughes (1992) and Theda Hughes (1987), and by Howard Debauche (2023), who was an important part of her life for more than 25 years.

Judy spent much of her career helping others as a counselor at Central Kansas Foundation and in leadership roles in the chemical dependency units at Prairie View in Newton and Overland Park. After returning to Salina, she continued teaching court-assigned classes for impaired drivers in Salina and McPherson, sometimes hosting the classes in her own home and providing meals to those in recovery. Many of these people remained lifelong friends and shared heartfelt stories about the positive influence Judy had on their lives.

Following her counseling career, Judy worked as a receptionist at Blue Beacon for 17 years before retiring in 2018. In retirement she worked part-time at University United Methodist Church and volunteered as a greeter and family support aide at Salina Regional Health Center.

Judy had a lifelong love for caring for others, including the many rescue animals she welcomed into her home. Her kindness, generosity, and devotion to family will be deeply missed.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at University United Methodist Church in Salina. A meal and conversation with family and friends will follow. Arrangements are entrusted to Ryan Mortuary and Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Smoky Hill River Festival Legacy Fund.