Judith Wagner, 80, of Libby
<p>Judy Wagner</p>
Judith L. (Judy) Wagner, 80, of Libby, beloved wife of the Balloon Man, passed away Oct. 2, 2014, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.
She was born on March 19, 1934, in Lincoln, Neb. to Wade and Eloise Hilligoss. Judy was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1952.
On February 14, 1953, Judy married her high school sweetheart Lloyd Wagner in Seattle, Wash., where he was employed by the Boeing Company.
They lived many years in a rural area southeast of Seattle on a small farm. She was a full-time mom to their four children and grew many of their vegetables and kept goats, cows, ducks and chickens. She especially loved to work with small children in Sunday School and AWANA as a primary grade teacher and a Sparky’s leader.
Lloyd and Judy moved to the Libby area in 1999 to escape the Seattle bustle following Lloyd’s retirement. They quickly established a new garden spot to continue their passion for fresh vegetables to can and share with neighbors and the Senior Center. They would most easily be recognized by the proliferation of balloon animals that Lloyd makes regularly in the community.
Lloyd and Judy are members of Libby Church of the Nazarene where she shared scriptural insights and her love for the Lord.
Judy passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ surrounded by her family. We celebrate her restoration to full health from the variety of medical issues that she has faced for many years.
Judy is survived by her husband Lloyd of almost 62 years; brothers Richard (Naoma) Hilligoss, and Dexter (Patty) Hilligoss, both of Lincoln, Neb.; four children Steven, Walter (Jewell), Joyce (James) Statton, and Keith (Nancy); 15 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Viewing will be held at Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Oct. 10, 2014. Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Oct. 11, 2014, at the First Church of the Nazarene in Libby. Memorials may be made in Judy’s honor to AWANA International or to Ronald McDonald House.