Judith Ann Vagt

Judith Ann Drozda Vagt passed away on April 28, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 86. She was born on July 12, 1939, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Dr. Joseph and Carroll Drozda, the second of six children. Judy was the devoted mother of five children, a proud grandmother of eight, and a cherished great-grandmother of two. She is survived by her children: Mary Beth Reeves (Allen), Donald Vagt (Katie), Margery Vagt (Jeff Bendoski), Kathleen Chase (Charles), and Joseph Vagt (Kari Falconer-Vagt). Her legacy continues through her grandchildren-Troy Reeves; Hannah Reeves Lloyd (Trevor) and their children Beau and Beth Marie; Seth, Grace, and Luke Vagt-Bendoski; Sarah and Alicia Chase; and Violet and Jack Vagt-each of whom brought her great joy. Judy loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren fiercely and completely. She embraced motherhood wholeheartedly, spending countless hours driving to practices, rehearsals, games, timing swim meets, and even feeding varsity football teams. On Friday nights, she opened her home to players after games, happily watching as they ate and filled her home with laughter. She was generous to a fault: everyone was welcome, and no one ever left hungry. She kept a large collection of Hallmark cards, always ready to send a note of love and encouragement. Judy was also wonderfully patient, always willing to listen, no matter how long the story. Judy was deeply passionate about her career as a nurse. She attended Creighton University from 1957 to 1962 and was among the first women to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through its newly established program, graduating in August 1962 with minors in Philosophy and Social Sciences. Nursing was her true calling. Judy treated every patient with kindness, respect, and professionalism, taking great pride in providing excellent care. After raising her children, she returned to nursing at Kaweah Delta Hospital, where she spent more than a decade on a post-surgical ward before transitioning into psychiatric care. She was incredibly proud to be a nurse and excelled in her work. At the heart of Judy's life was her deep and abiding Catholic faith. She proudly defined herself as an Irish Catholic, and her faith was the guiding force in her life. Judy never said goodbye, so we won't say goodbye here. Instead, we leave you with her constant reminder, "Jesus loves you and so do I." In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Diabetes Society or St. Jude's in Judy's memory. Judith Ann Vagt, 86 of Tulare, California, died on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Tulare, California. Judith was born to and on July 12, 1939 in . Visitation will be held 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Rosary will follow at 6:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial services will be held 10:30 AM Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 125 E. Pleasant Avenue, Tulare. Graveside services will be held 11:30 AM Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026 at Tulare Cemetery, 900 E. Kern Ave., Tulare. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Judith Ann Vagt

July 12, 1939 - April 28, 2026