Judith Ann (Weigel) “Judy” Chesney, age 86, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on October 14, 2026, at Good Samaritan in Ellis, Kansas. She was born on July 4, 1940, in Emmeram, Kansas, to Daniel and Catherine (Karlin) Weigel. Judy was first married to Robert “Bob” Pfannenstiel, and together they had five children. She later married Robert P. “Bob” Chesney on July 3, 1989.
Judy was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville, Kansas. She was also a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and the Daughters of Isabella in Hays, Kansas. She graduated from Ellis High School in Ellis, Kansas.
Judy spent much of her life in Humboldt County, California, where she was a business and ranch owner and raised her five children. She later made her home at Chesney Farm in Woodston, Kansas, where she enjoyed the peacefulness of country living. Judy had a deep love for the outdoors, especially spending time tending to her gardens. Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life, and she remained devoted to her church and her relationship with Christ. Above all, her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren, who held a special place in her heart.
Survivors include her daughter, Kimberleigh Chilcott (Robert) of Larned, Kansas; two sons, Robert G. Pfannenstiel (Debra) of Eureka, California, and Dustin Pfannenstiel of Hays, Kansas; three stepsons, Christopher P. Chesney (Cheri) of Franklinton, North Carolina, Samuel J. Chesney of Overland Park, Kansas, and Kelley K. Chesney of Wichita, Kansas; three grandchildren, Damon Chilcott, Katrina Del Biaggio (Daniel), and Danielle Simon (John Robert); four great-grandchildren, Lane Del Biaggio, Trace Simon, Lyla Del Biaggio, and Beau Simon; a brother, Daniel Weigel Jr.; and a sister, Sandra Leiker (Ernest). She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert P. “Bob” Chesney; her parents, Daniel and Katherine Weigel; her son, Jesse Pfannenstiel; her daughter, Kerri B. Pfannenstiel; and her sisters, Shirley Braun (Alvin), Gloria Withers (Dean), and Carrie Engel (Clayton).
Mass of Christian burial will be Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601. Inurnment will follow the Mass in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery - Hays.
Cremation under the direction of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601. Memories and words of comfort may be shared with Judy's family on her tribute page via: www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com