Judy Lynette Finsterwald Woollard

Judy Lynette Finsterwald Woollard of Wheeler, Texas, passed away on March 6, 2026, in Amarillo, Texas, at the age of 77 years and 20 days.

Born on February 14, 1949, to Milton and Katie Finsterwald, Judy grew up on the family ranch and attended Briscoe Schools. She was active in the 4-H riding club and excelled in basketball, advancing to the state tournament in 1965. As a teenager, she met the love of her life, Burton Hendrix “Ricky” Woollard, Jr., at a party in Shamrock. After graduating from Oklahoma State University, they married in Wheeler on December 31, 1971. The couple lived in Amarillo and Snyder before returning to Wheeler County, where they raised their four children: Russell Joe, Kate Ann, James Will, and Bobbi Lynn.

Judy enjoyed a long and cherished career teaching Home Economics. Her students adored her, and as FHA sponsor she created lasting memories on trips to state conventions. She taught generations of young people how to sew, iron, set a table, and cook, leaving them with both practical skills and the warmth of her genuine care. A lifelong member of the Wheeler Church of Christ, she organized Care Center birthday parties and nail-painting days. She volunteered with CASA as an advocate and delivered Meals on Wheels. For 24 years she belonged to the “Pink Flamingoes” book club, and the group recently began Snack Packs for Kids at Wheeler ISD—an effort so important to Judy that it was named “Judy’s Snack Packs” in her honor. She was also a founding member of the beloved a cappella group The Mason Jars, which had been entertaining audiences across the Texas Panhandle since 1987.

Judy was known for her deep love, generosity, kind spirit, and attentive listening ear. Her quirky creativity and distinctive Southwest style, inspired by her affection for Santa Fe, made her a rare and memorable presence. Above all, she lived as a devoted Christian woman, with Christ at the center of her life. Her wisdom, constant study of Scripture, and faithful prayer list reflected a heart always seeking growth in faith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Katie Finsterwald, her husband Ricky, and her brothers Larry and Joel. Judy is survived by her children Russell Woollard and wife Kara, Kate Woollard, Will Woollard and wife Katty, and Bobbi Howe and son-in-law Preston, as well as eight beloved grandchildren: Katherine Ann Marie, Ella Grace, Faydra Mae, Nicolas Cooper, Kloe Jyl, Kaiser Mac, Ryker Lee, and Christian Alexander.