Judy Ann Miller Elliot, 78, died peacefully at home on July 29, 2025.
Born into a musical family on November 18, 1946, in Bowling Green, KY, Judy was the youngest of four children.
Judy attended high school at the Training School at Western State College. She studied English, Speech, and Theatre at the University of Texas, and received a Master’s degree in Theatre from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She then moved to NJ to live with her sister, Clarese, and “would take the PATH into NYC daily – to study at the Shakespeare Studio, get rid of my southern accent, and look for work in acting.”
Her passion for the stage led to appearances in more than thirty-five productions, including summer stock, professional dinner theatre, plays and musicals in California, Kentucky and beyond.
Judy was a founding member of the Catskill Community Players in Stamford, NY, serving as president for three years, directing five productions, and acting in seven. There, she met Wayne Elliot and the two were married on May 26, 1974, in Bowling Green, KY. Judy and Wayne settled in Stamford before relocating to New Paltz, NY in 1981, where they raised their daughter, Katie.
In New Paltz, Judy immersed herself in the arts community. She was a prolific member of 90 Miles Off Broadway, as actor and director. She also wrote, produced, and directed numerous productions through Children’s Summer Theatre. Judy was a member of the ensemble, InPerfect Harmony.
A woman of deep faith and a love of the natural world, Judy’s humanity was expansive, open and went beyond the doors of the Reformed Church of New Paltz where she was a member for many years. Judy sang in the church choir and served on several church committees. At Christmas, Earth Day, and Applestock fairs, Judy offered her homemade Autumn Whimsy jams and signature bourbon balls.
Judy will be remembered for her versatile talents, effusive enthusiasm, warm kindness, and generosity. She was playful, empathetic, curious, and fun – attuned to the needs of others, no matter what her own.
Judy is survived by her beloved daughter, Katherine “Katie” Morgan, and her treasured granddaughter, Ayla, who, upon her arrival, brought a new dimension of joy and wonder to Judy’s life. She is also survived by her sister, Clarese Fuller; sister-in-law, Linda North; and nieces, Grace Gifford-Miller, Jeannene Johnson, Charlene North and Roberta Butterfield.
Judy was predeceased by her husband, Wayne; parents William and Lera Miller; and brothers, William Miller and Gerald Miller.
A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at the Reformed Church of New Paltz on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11 am. Donations in Judy’s memory may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the American Cancer Society.
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