MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. — Judith Clara Chadd Vavrek passed away peacefully at her home in Manhattan Beach, Calif. Dec. 9, 2017 with her family. She died of an internal infection complicated by cancer.
Judy was born at St. Rose Hospital in Great Bend, Dec. 1, 1942, and spent her youth in the Seward and St. John communities. She graduated from St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Seward in 1956, and from St. John High School in 1960. Judy was a popular beautician before becoming a TWA flight attendant. She flew for TWA for 30 years. She married Tom Vavrek in 1976. After retiring from the airlines, Judy served as president of the Los Angeles chapter of “Silver Wings,” for retired TWA flight attendants, a position she held for 10 years.
She participated in the Church Altar Society and was active in supporting the American Martyrs School community. Judy was known for her strong faith, love of family and friends, plus her unique sense of humor which radiated out to all who knew her. She was an avid crossword puzzle player, a talented seamstress, a faithful Dodger fan, and a wonderful storyteller.
Surviving family, includes her husband, Thomas Vavrek of the home; her sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Chadd Seth, Los Angeles, Calif.; a niece, Melia Chadd Sharkey, Denver, Colo.; two nephews, Jeffrey Chadd, Buffalo, Mo.; and Cameron Dennis, Fountain, Colo.; as well as almost 50 loving relatives and countless friends.
She was preceded in death by father, Floyd Leonard “Jake” Chadd; her mother, Sylvia Keenan Chadd Langer; two brothers, Gery and Billy; and an infant sister, Mary Bernadette.
As a memorial, the family have asked that donations be made to the TWA Museum, 10 Richards Rd #110, Kansas City, MO, 64116, in the name of Judy Chadd Vavrek.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 27, 2017**