Judy Kay

Forkner

Judy Kay Forkner, 80, of Rapid City, South Dakota, passed away on November 3, 2026, in Rapid City.

Judy was born on August 7, 1946, in Chadron, Nebraska, to Ralph L. Beers, Sr. and Mary Margarite Cavanaugh. She grew up in Rapid City and graduated from Rapid City Central High School in 1964. That same year, she married Albert Forkner. Years later, they welcomed their son, Allen.

Judy spent her working life in banking, becoming a familiar and friendly face to generations of customers. She was well-known throughout the community for the relationships she built across the bank counter, where customers often became friends.

Following Albert's passing, Judy married Alfred Buxcel.

Above all, Judy will be remembered for her hospitality and her love of bringing people together. Her door was always open to family and friends, whether they were traveling through town, gathering for a holiday or simply stopping by for a cup of coffee. The coffee pot was always on, and there was almost always room for one more at the kitchen table.

Rarely did an evening pass without a card game, and no holiday was complete without Judy bringing friends and family together for a meal, good conversation and, more often than not, another round of cards. Her home was a gathering place where everyone was welcome, and nobody stayed a stranger for long.

Outside the home, Judy was an active member of the Rapid City Women's International Bowling Congress (WIBC) for many years. She enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie of league bowling and traveled with teammates and fellow competitors to state tournaments.

Judy also enjoyed visiting area casinos, where her friendly personality made her a familiar face among staff and fellow regulars. She valued the relationships she built there, often remembering employees during the holidays with a box of candy or another small token of appreciation. It was a simple gesture that reflected her thoughtfulness and appreciation for the people she encountered in everyday life.

Judy was preceded in death by her husbands, Albert Forkner and Alfred Buxcel; her parents, Ralph L. Beers, Sr. and Mary Margarite Cavanaugh; and her siblings, Jimmy Beers, Susie Perrine, Sally Yoder, Patricia Vick, Ralph Beers, Jr., and Nancy Davis.

She is survived by her son, Allen Forkner, and his wife, Suzanne.

Cremation will take place, with burial at Mountain View Cemetery in Rapid City, South Dakota.