Judith V. “Judy” Caprez

Judith V. “Judy” Caprez, 80, Hays, died Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at Hays Good Samaritan Society.

She was born January 7, 1940 in Oil City, Pennsylvania the daughter of Steve and Lena (Bisker) Veres.  In 1957 she graduated from Oil City High School.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Capital University, Columbus, Ohio and a Masters of Social Work degree from Ohio State University.  On December 31, 1967 she was united in marriage to Lionel Preston Caprez in Worthington, Ohio and they celebrated nearly 53 years of marriage.  Judy and Preston moved to Hays in August of 1968 and she became the first Director of the Psychiatric Inpatient Unit at High Plains Mental Health Center, fourth floor Hadley.  She was the Supervising Social Worker for High Plains Mental Health Center, Administrative Director of Nursing at Hadley Hospital, an instructor in the Department of Social Work at Fort Hays State University, and for the last 23 years at FHSU was Director of the Social Work Department.  Judy owned her own private social work counseling practice, wrote a daily article for the Hays Daily News, and served on several committees including Big Brothers Big Sisters and the First Call For Help Board.

Survivors include her husband Lionel Preston of Hays, a son: Dr. Adam Caprez of Lincoln, NE, a daughter: Dr. Cassanda Caprez-Davis and husband Lt. Col. Chris Davis of Castle Rock, CO, and two grandchildren: Mitchell and Savannah Davis.

Due to COVID-19 a memorial service will be held in the future.  Memorials are suggested to Fort Hays State University/ Caprez Family Social Work Scholarship, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.  Condolences and memories of Judy may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com