Judith L. Nibarger

Judith Lynn "Judy" Nibarger, 85, of Parsons, passed away Thursday, August 21, 2025, after a lengthy illness.

She was born on July 17, 1940, to James and Letah (Hight) Willeford in Parsons, Kansas. As a child, she moved with her family to Galveston, Texas, for a short time, before the family returned 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 and Bill Dunnic were united in marriage. The couple later divorced. In 1975, she and Ted Nibarger were married. They later divorced.

Survivors include:

One daughter – Tracy Wertz and her husband, Monty, of Altamont, Kansas

One grandson – Jacob Wertz and his wife, Audrey, of Parsons, Kansas

One granddaughter – Jackie Smith and her husband, Taran, of rural Erie, Kansas

Three great-grandsons – Rowen Smith, Ryden Smith and Roper Smith

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Debbie Willeford; and two brothers, Michael Willeford and James Willeford.

The memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., September 2, 2025, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m., until the service begins.

Memorials are suggested 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.

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