Judy (Jp) Porter

Judy (JP) Porter passed away on August 26, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma.  Judy was born July 6, 1943 in Versailles, Illinois to Halmer and Grace Myers.  After graduation from high school in Libertyville, IL., she enrolled in Simpson College where she became a member of Alpha Chi Omega (AXO) sorority where she made lifelong friendships. She held various offices on the AXO Alumnae Board and House Corporation. 

In 1966, she married John Pressley Piffer Jr. Of this marriage, a daughter, Michelle Diane, was born. 

After graduating from college, she taught physical education, and coached for ten years at Indianola High School. She was a pioneer in fighting for equality for women sports, and started the first team sport, volleyball. She coached her volleyball team to three straight state tournaments. Also, she taught junior golf for many years. It was with great pride that so many became excellent golfers. 

In 1977, she married her best friend and soulmate, Don Porter. They both loved to entertain. They unselfishly opened their business and home for many community functions. 

She held various other positions in the community including serving on Simpson Guild and Indianola Parks and Recreation Boards. She served as a board member and fundraiser for AXO House Corporation, Simpson Guild and Habitat for Humanity. Also, she hosted a golf tournament with proceeds going to Helping Hand. In addition, she was a Hospice volunteer. 

She was a founding member of the Royal Order of Groundhogs and a local chapter of the Red Hat Society. She retired as an Equal Employment Specialist with the USDA after 17 years. 

Her husband, Don Porter, served as Potentate of Za-Ga-Zig Shrine Temple in 1987. She enjoyed her role as First Lady making so many friends over the years. 

Winning the Women’s Golf Championship at Willow Creek enabled her to play in the State’s Golf Tournament and a LPGA golf charity event. After a golf injury, she became an avid gardener, receiving her Master Gardener Certification from Iowa State University. Her home was once on the garden tour.  She cherished her friends and flowers and delivering flowers to friends at nursing homes was a joy. 

After leaving Indianola. she lived in Denver, CO and Norman, OK. Alpha Chi’s from the University of Oklahoma and others served as caretakers over the last five years. They became great friends too. Bella, her dog, was her bedside companion.

Her pride and joy were her granddaughters, Olivia and Carolyn. They looked forward to weekly date nights with Grandma. 

Survivors include daughter Michelle Kelley (Jeff Slankard), granddaughters Olivia and Carolyn Kelley, bonus granddaughter Dallas Slankard of Arvada CO; sister Linda (Don) Brown of Oklahoma City; cousin Ruth Blansett of Springfield, MO,  sister-in-law Bonnie Myers of Libertyville, IL, and many nieces and nephews.  Also, her late husband’s children: Dan (Kristi) Porter of Indianola; DeAnna (Jim) Henning of Sioux City, and Dean (Linda) Porter of Lenexa, KS.  

She was preceded in death by her husband Don in 2006, her parents Halmer and Grace Myers, brothers Hal Phillip and Stephen Deal.

Her philosophy was Carpe Diem and she tried to live each day to the fullest. She asked her family to have a Carpe Diem Celebration in her honor.  The celebration will be on October 24, 2021 at Red Acre Barn, 4053 Kirkwood St. Prole, IA, at 12:00 p.m. with visitation held prior to services at 11:00 a.m.  MASKS REQUIRED FOR ALL ATTENDEES.

Memorials in her honor can be sent to the Denver Botanical Gardens.