JUDITH L (HILLIGOSS) WAGNER Obituary (1934

Judith L. (Judy) Wagner, 80, of Libby, MT, beloved wife of the Balloon Man passed away October 2, 2014, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center. She was born on March 19, 1934, in Lincoln, NE. 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, WA where he was employed by the Boeing Company as a machinist's apprentice. 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. Judy always canned many of the fruits and vegetables that the family consumed. She was an accomplished and creative seamstress who sewed most of her own clothes as well as special things for many other people. She was an avid quilter and loved to make quilts to commemorate special occasions that included births, graduations and weddings. She enjoyed reading, watching Jeopardy, and working jigsaw puzzles. Judy 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 from the Boeing Company. They quickly established a new garden spot to continue their passion for fresh vegetables to can, 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. They also renewed their involvement with the local AWANA ministry until health concerns dictated a slower pace. 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, two brothers, Richard (Naoma) Hilligoss, Dexter (Patty) Hilligoss, both of Lincoln, NE., four children, Steven, Walter (Jewell), Joyce (James) Statton, Keith (Nancy), 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Viewing will be held at Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m., on Friday, October 10, 2014. Services will be held at 1:00 PM at the First Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, October 11, 2014 in Libby. Memorials may be made in Judy's honor to AWANA International or to Ronald McDonald House. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.