Geraldine “Judy” Garrigus

Geraldine “Judy” Garrigus, 81 years old, passed away October 8, 2025 at Shawn Manor Nursing Home in Ponca City, Oklahoma.

Judy was born February 19, 1944 in Colton, California to William and Lucy Cobb. Judy’s family moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma when she was a baby. This is where she would also attend school.

In 1961, Judy married Bruce Edward Sample and moved to Alta Vista, KS. To this union came three children, Bruce Edward Sample Jr., Shelly Kay Chamberlain and Bruce Darin Sample. Judy and Bruce later divorced.

In 1983, Judy married the love of her life, Jim Garrigus and moved back to Ponca City, Oklahoma. She attended Practical Nursing School in 1991, doing the job she loved at Newkirk Nursing Center for 12 years until she retired.

Judy and Jim loved camping, where they made many new friends. Judy loved spending time with her kids, grandkids and family.

If you had the honor or privilege to have known Judy, you knew she was one in a million and loved by many!

Judy is survived by her children, Shelly Kay Chamberlain, Ponca City, OK; son Bruce Darin Sample and wife Kim, Alta Vista, KS; step-son Richard Garrigus (Cindy) of Greenleaf, Idaho; step-daughter Michelle Neiber of California; three grandsons, Jacob Hidecker, Ponca City, OK; Austin Sample and Tyson Collins, both of Alta Vista, KS. Judy had seven great grandkids, who she loved dearly; James and Mason Marazas of Ponca City, OK; Thoryn, Grace and Alrik Hidecker of Ponca City, OK; Kaydan and Nevaeh Collins of Alta Vista, KS. She is also survived by numerous other relatives and friends.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents William and Lucy Cobb, son Bruce Edward Sample Jr., husband Jim Garrigus, sister Betty Weaver, brother Doyle Cobb and grandson Elijah.

Judy spent the last months of her life surrounded by new friends and wonderful staff at Shawn Manor. She felt at home there and often let her nursing skills lead to so much compassion for those around her.

We would like to thank the staff at Shawn Manor for their outstanding care and dedicated love for our mom. To Ms. Kay for always being there for her! Mostly to Mitch Bradley for showing her that hospice loved her. For making her life and showing you truly cared for her.

Upon Judy’s request, she will be cremated and laid to rest with her late husband at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be sent to her son Bruce D. Sample, 601 H. Ave., Alta Vista, KS 66834 to help with final expenses and/or charity of her choice.

Thank you Humanity Hospice in Oklahoma for everything you did for mom and for us!