AFTON, Okla. — Judith Kay ‘Judy’ Zelle, 65, passed away Sept. 18, 2026, in Afton, Okla. She was born on Nov. 19, 1960, in Beloit, Kan., to Ernie and Kay (Hackett) Melton. On June 6, 1981, she married Bret Zelle in Great Bend, Kan.

Judy was a 1979 graduate from Great Bend High School. She was a homemaker, earning the title of “wife” and “mother” then later gaining her favorite title of “GG.” Judy loved Jesus, her family – her kids and grandkids were her everything – and beloved friends. She enjoyed sewing, crafts, lake life on Grand Lake, fishing with her husband, and playing cards and games with loved ones (especially Pitch).

Survivors include her husband of the home; her parents of Great Bend; daughter, Kelly Inscore and husband Josh of Piedmont, Okla.; son, Matt Zelle and wife Lori of Conway, Ark.; five grandchildren, Oakley Inscore and Andee Inscore, both of Piedmont, Okla., Nate Zelle, Nolan Zelle, and Myla Zelle, all of Conway, Ark.; two sisters, Jo Rowe of Great Bend, and Gina Wilkes and husband David of San Angelo, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Wanda Smith and husband Kirk of Pawnee Rock, and Kerma Flores and husband Rudy of Harper; many loving nieces and nephews; and close friends Judy considered family. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Floyd and Wilma Melton, and Arnol and Sue Hackett; and brother-in-law, Greg Rowe.

Memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at Bryant Funeral Home with David Wilkes presiding. Inurnment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery North. Memorials have been designated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 22, 2026