Judith S. PHENEGER

PHENEGER, Judith S.

of Tampa, passed away on Monday, October 3, 2016, after an extended illness. She was 77. Born February 25, 1939, in Marion, OH, she was raised in Van Wert, OH. She was the daughter of Evelyn L. and Vance E. Harden. She graduated from Van Wert High School (1957) and Denison University (1961). She taught English in the Maumee, OH, and in a Department of Defense school in Heidelberg, Germany.

Judy married Michael E. Pheneger on November 26, 1961. When Mike entered active duty in the US Army in 1963, Judy became a full partner in his career, and a stay-at-home mother of Michael "Scott" and Elizabeth "Beth" Louise. During 30 years of Mike's military service, she lived in Maryland, California, Arizona, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Florida, Germany, and Panama. During Mike's unaccompanied tours in Vietnam and Korea, she took full responsibility for the family. Judy was very active in her children's lives serving as a leader in Brownies, Girl Scouts, and Cub Scouts; and she often served as room mother for her kids' classes.

In senior leadership assignments, the Army counted on getting two for the price of one. Wives had lots of responsibilities and Judy was wonderful at all of them. She handled myriad social responsibilities and formed and led support groups to help younger military wives adapt to overseas assignments. She was loved and respected by all.

Judy and Mike arrived in Tampa in 1985, when he was assigned to USCENTCOM. Judy immediately became involved in the community. She served for a time as a Guardian ad Litem, and was an active member and officer in many women's groups including the New Tampan Grads, Old Brass, Carrollwood Women's Club, and Coterie. She was a member of the Friendship Class at Lake Magdalene Methodist Church. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed her participation in numerous bridge groups.

Judy is survived by her husband; son, Scott Pheneger of Tampa; daughter, Beth Bengis of Frisco, TX; brothers, Philip Harden of Toledo and Gregory Harden of Mentor, OH; her sister, Mari Jo Derkin of Sylvania, OH; and her beloved grandchildren, Dylan and Lauren Bengis.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund which focuses research on the highest probability ways of preventing, slowing, or reversing the disease. www.curealz.org

A memorial service to celebrate Judy's life will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, October 29, in the chapel of the Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church, 2902 W. Fletcher Avenue, in Tampa.