Judith Lynn “Judy” Nibarger, 85, of Parsons passed away Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, after a lengthy illness.
She was born on July 17, 1940, to James and Letah (Hight) Willeford in Parsons. As a child, she and her family lived in Galveston, Texas, for a short time before returning to Parsons. After graduating from Parsons High School, Judy attended Labette Community College.
For over 23 years, Judy worked at the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center in the Recreation Department and later as a direct caregiver until her retirement in 2011.
Judy was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas Jayhawks fan. She particularly enjoyed going to the casino and horse races and never turned down a good game of “GUTS” poker. Some of her fondest memories came from living on Grand Lake, where she loved boating and fishing. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family.
In 1963, Judy married Bill Dunnic. The couple later divorced. In 1975, she married Ted Nibarger. They later divorced.
Survivors include a daughter, Tracy Wertz and her husband, Monty, of Altamont; a grandson, Jacob Wertz and his wife, Audrey, of Parsons; a granddaughter, Jackie Smith and her husband, Taran, of rural Erie; and three great-grandsons, Rowen Smith, Ryden Smith and Roper Smith.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Debbie Willeford; and two brothers, Michael Willeford and James Willeford.
The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons. The family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m. Tuesday until the service begins.
The family suggests memorials to Gentiva Hospice or Proud Animal Lovers Shelter (PALS). These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS, 67357.
