Judith Elaine Taggart

After living a vibrant and well-lived life, Judith Elaine (Nichols) Taggart, 78, of Hartsburg, Missouri, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025.

Born August 29, 1947, to Grover and Audrey (Boyer) Nichols in Jefferson City, Missouri, Judy grew up in Hartsburg and attended Southern Boone County R1 Schools. She was active in many extracurricular activities, including marching band as a majorette, school plays, cheerleading, and basketball. Her favorite sport was softball, which she played until an injury retired her at 55.

After graduating from Southern Boone in 1965, Judy attended Kidwell’s School of Cosmetology. In 1966, she married her high school sweetheart and fellow sports enthusiast, Lonnie Ross Taggart. Judy worked as a hair stylist and Lonnie as a barber, both enjoying their work with people. Together, they continued to play and attend sporting events as their family grew to five, with the addition of Lonna, Lisa, and Lance. Judy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, showering her family with love and guidance.

Above all, Judy cherished her role as a grandmother. Her six grandchildren, Spencer, Brooke, Gavin, Brady, Sayde, and Gabrienne—were the light of her life. She was deeply involved in their lives, attending their events, celebrating their achievements, and offering unwavering support and wisdom. Judy’s home was a place of warmth, laughter, and learning, where her grandchildren always felt loved and encouraged. She took great pride in each of them, nurturing their interests and sharing her own love of sports, crafts, and family traditions. Her legacy lives on in the values and memories she instilled in them.

Judy’s love for family and sports was matched by her devotion to her faith and Hartsburg Baptist Church, which she attended from birth and joined as a member at age 11. Another lifelong interest was participating in the many activities happening at the Hartsburg American Legion. Deeply embedded in her family, church, and local community, Judy touched the lives of many!

Judy and Lonnie celebrated 59 years of marriage, plus a seven-year courtship. Their union produced three children: Lonna Trammell (Jeff), Lisa Frey (Steve), and Lance Taggart (Kim), as well as six grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, three children, six grandchildren, and other family members.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws Robert and Ola Mae Taggart, brother-in-law Mike Taggart and her lifelong best friend, Linda Brune.

A visitation will be held at Robinson-Yager Funeral Home on Sunday, November 30, from 3–7 p.m. The funeral will be held at Hartsburg Baptist Church on December 1, at 2 p.m., with burial at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Dinner will follow the burial service at Hartsburg Legion Hall.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Hartsburg Baptist Church or the Hartsburg American Legion Post 424.

Condolences may be shared at www.robinsonyagerfh.com.

Robinson-Yager Funeral Home is honored to serve the Taggart family.