Josefine Budden

Josefine Budden, 87, a devoted mother and enthusiastic animal lover, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026, at Stormont Vail Health-Flint Hills Campus in Junction City, Kansas. Born on September 25, 1938 in Obergriesbach, German, Josefine's conscientious work ethic and heartfelt care for others was an inspiration.

Josefine met Lyman Budden through friends and community in Wakefield, Kansas. Their friendship and fondness for each other grew over the years and they married in May of 1961. 

Josefine’s home had the footsteps of family and pitter-patter of paws. She never turned away a stray animal that would appear; taking in dogs, cats and even the occasional wild animal Lyman or the kids brought home. Her love for vegetable and flower gardens in springtime brought joy and relaxation. Cooking and canning were skills she shared, having goodies on hand with a cup of coffee ready for any friends or family stopping at the house. She loved a sale; filling her home with unpolished gems found at a secondhand stores, auctions, or garage sales.

There is no denying that she worked hard for her success. Josefine had a variety of part-time jobs while raising her family but spent the majority of her working years at Chapman Valley Manor. Retiring as Housekeeping Supervisor, then asked back to assist housekeeping and laundry when needed well into her 70’s; never saying no. Josefine loved the residents and enjoyed simple gestures to make them smile, like an adjustment in a chair, cleaning of glasses, hand washing a favorite piece of clothing or lap blanket to keep them warm. Her kindness did not go unnoticed by them or their families. Josefine received cards and small tokens of thanks from family members years into retirement. Josefine would smile when speaking of her work memories, what she had learned, was able to pass along to others, and all the wonderful people she met along the way.

Josefine is survived by her children Joe (Cheri) Loar, Debbie (Paul) Stevens, Tim Budden, Kelly Budden, two granddaughters Erin King and Melanie (Dane) Hartenbower, and great granddaughters Emma and Mia.

Preceded in death by her husband Lyman Budden, parents Josef and Maria Scherer, and sister Elisabeth (Edmund) Ross.

In loving memory, the family respectfully requests no formal gathering take place. Instead, take a moment for personal reflection, cherish memories once shared and encourage acts of kindness in Josefines’ memory to an animal rescue of your choice.