Judy Love

If you’ve ever stopped for gas, snacks, or a clean bathroom on the highway: thank Judy Love.

In 1964, Judy Love and her husband Tom leased an abandoned gas station in Watonga, Oklahoma.

They had four kids and just $5,000 (borrowed from her parents).
She handled the finances.

He managed the pumps.

Together, they launched Love’s Travel Stops.

Eight years later, they had 40 stores.

Today? 650+ locations. 42 states. 40,000 employees.

Still 100% family-owned.

While the industry focused on fuel, Judy pushed for service: clean restrooms, fresh food, and even dog parks for families on the road.

That model (gas, snacks, fast food) became the playbook for the modern highway stop.

She stepped back in 1975 to pursue her other passion: interior design.

Finished undergrad in 1981.

Got her master’s.

Then launched her own design firm.

But she never stopped building.

Not just stores but hospitals, schools, nonprofits, and people.

She chaired campaigns. Sat on 11 boards. Led 14 major fundraisers.

Founded the Love Family Affiliated Fund in 1999.

Then the Tom & Judy Love Foundation in 2013.

She gave back everywhere.

$10M to Mercy Hospital to build the Love Family Women’s Center.

$1M+ to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State’s business schools to fund the Tom Love Scholars Program.

$408,000 to 68 United Way partner agencies for the company’s 60th anniversary.

$378,000 to public schools across 63 cities.

Every new store launch meant new money in local schools, fire departments, and hospitals.

Judy also co-chaired the campaign for Positive Tomorrows: the only school in Oklahoma for children experiencing homelessness.

She was also a Trustee at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation from 2002-2011.

She and Tom stayed married for 63 years until his death in 2023.

She passed a year later, in 2024, at age 87.

By then, her family was worth over $10 billion.