Judy Hooten, 73, of Shell Knob, Missouri passed away on March 15, 2024, in Rogers, Arkansas. She was born on June 26th, 1950, in Kilgore, Texas to her late parents Curtis and Thelma Wilkinson.

Judy touched the lives of countless people through her volunteer work with Girl Scout Troop 144, her career in social work including the Senior Activity Center of Bentonville, Havenwood, Head Start, and Parents as Teachers, and her faith communities of First Presbyterian Church of Bentonville and Trinity Presbyterian Church of Shell Knob. Judy was generous with her love and time, always available to help turn a problem into an opportunity for growth. She was the epitome of optimism. Her positive outlook, kindness, and joy were unmarred by her declining health and she never stopped celebrating her victories. Her final words were "Let's have a party." Her enduring qualities of optimism, kindness, and joy will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her.

Judy is survived by her daughter, Amy von Diest of Phnom Penh, Cambodia; her son, Curtis von Diest of Honesdale, Pennsylvania; her husband, Jerry Hooten of Shell Knob, Missouri; and by her many dear friends who count her as family.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 on Saturday, March 23 at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Shell Knob, MO. (24596 Hwy 39, Shell Knob, MO 65747). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Circle of Life , 901 Jones Road Springdale, AR 72762.