Judith Ann “Judy” Blauer, 81, died peacefully at her home on May 19, 2026. She was born December 23, 1944, in Stafford, to James Clifford and Mary Jewel (Rice) Sillin.

Judy proudly graduated from Hudson High School in 1962 and Fort Hays State University with her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education and Performance. Teaching was Judy’s life and passion. She was a part-time piano instructor at Hutchinson Community College for over 35 years. In addition, Judy taught thousands of students, from young to old alike, to play the piano in her home music studio. Judy had a gift for sharing her love of music with her students and encouraged them to be well-rounded. She supported her piano students in their sporting, academic, and musical activities. Judy’s home was filled with flowers, plants, encouragement, honest and loving criticism, and the sound of piano keys resonating from her music studio. She was a well-respected teacher by her students, parents, and peers.

Judy was a member of the Hutchinson Area Piano Teachers Association (HAPTA), Kansas Music Teachers Association, and Music Teachers National Association. Through the HAPTA, her creative ideas were expressed in many recitals and activities throughout Hutchinson. Judy’s students performed on Third Thursdays, at Dillon Nature Center, the Downtown Park, and the Hutchinson Art Center. She also helped organize a mass piano concert, with both adults and children participating, at First United Methodist Church, Hutchinson.

Judy is survived by: son, Matthew Blauer (Joyce); granddaughter, Natalie Blauer; sisters-in-law, Ro Ann Blauer and Kay Blauer Hanson (Gary); a host of friends; and thousands of piano students and parents, who were like her family.

Judy was preceded in death by: her parents; son, Paul Blauer; and brother-in-law, Earl Blauer, Jr.

Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Trinity Cemetery, Hudson, with Pastor Wade Russell officiating. Celebration of Life service will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Elliott Mortuary, with Pastor Phil Auxier officiating. Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary. Following the service on June 28, 2026, friends, former students, and parents are invited to a reception honoring Judy from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Hutchinson Art Center, 405 N. Washington St. Hutchinson.

Click here to view Judy's Celebration of Life Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to 398th Bomb Group Memorial Association or the Hudson Community Club, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main St., Hutchnson, KS 67501.