Julia Kilgore ‘Judy' Pike
MIDLAND Julia Kilgore “Judy” Pike passed away Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010. She was born in Orlando, Fla., and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. Her heart resided in West Texas where she spent the last 64 years. The journey to West Texas began in 1945 when she and her husband, John Pike, recently released from service in World War II, moved to the Gulf Oil Company camp outside Crane. John moved up the Gulf managerial chain and through West Texas, with postings in Kermit, Iraan, Andrews and Midland. Judy accompanied him, growing increasingly fonder of West Texas and its people. Judy and John had three children whom they raised with compassion mixed with a healthy dose of realistic guidance. In later life, that guidance extended to four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Judy was an active member of the community, working as a volunteer in the Hospital Auxiliary, at the Petroleum Museum and with Anna Mi. Over the past 60 years she developed a number of close friendships, many of which remained with her until the end of her life. She will be missed by her family, friends and the West Texas community she loved so much.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John L. Pike; her son, John Alan Pike; her parents, Alva and Elizabeth Kilgore; her sister, Elizabeth Tipler; and her brother, Al Kilgore.
Judy is survived by her son, Dr. William J. Pike and wife Karen of Houston, Texas; two daughters, Julia Pike Pitre and husband Mark of Mobile, Ala., and Mary Pike O’Hearn and husband Dr. Daniel O’Hearn of Odessa, Texas; she is also survived by grandchildren, Matthew Pike and wife Lindsey of Midland, Texas, Cathrine Pike Brown and husband Charles of Denton, Texas, John O’Hearn and wife Stacy of Midland, Texas, and Katheen O’Hearn and husband Jerry Brito of Arlington, Va.; and her great-grandson, Caden O’Hearn. She eagerly anticipated the birth of a second great-grandson, Archie Pike.
Our sincere thanks to the staff of Helen Greathouse Manor and the staff of Hospice House of Odessa for their wonderful care of our mother.
Memorial services have been scheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010, at First Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home, 801 Andrews Highway, Midland, Texas 79701, (432) 683-5555.
Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.
