MINNESOTT BEACH, N.C. — Judy Mershon Huber Wolfenbarger, 77, of Minnesott Beach, N.C., passed away June 4. Born in Chicago, Ill., on Nov. 4, 1935, she was the daughter of Andrew B. and Dorothy Mershon Huber. Her family moved to Mt. Carroll, Ill., in 1942. An accomplished pianist, guitar player and percussionist for Mt. Carroll High School, music was an important part of her life. Her quick wit and love of ironic humor lasted throughout her lifetime.
Upon graduation, Judy moved to Albuquerque, N.M., where she attended and graduated from the University of New Mexico. She was a member of the Chi Omega sorority as well as the PEO Sisterhood.
From 1955 to 1965 Judy was married Herbert H. Brunell Jr. of Alamogordo, N.M. They had three children. A “Goldwater Girl,” who became increasingly more interested in politics, she served as Otero County New Mexico GOP Chairperson and as a member of the New Mexico State Central Committee.
In January 1968, Judy married Dr. Keith Wolfenbarger. They moved to Hoisington in 1970, where most of Judy’s time was spent managing a busy household of six children and every imaginable pet. It was also during this time that Judy and “Doc” developed an interest in sailing. The pair created quite a local media buzz when they built a 54’ sailboat in the middle of a wheat field in central Kansas.
In 1980, the love of sailing and water brought Judy and “Doc” to North Carolina, where, with the help of some of their children, they built a successful marina, the Minnesott Beach Yacht Basin, of Arapahoe, N.C. In addition to managing the marina, Judy was an active member of the NC Marina Owners Association, serving on the board as well as interim president. In 2004, the marina was sold and Judy, who was a great cook, enjoyed her retirement days by finally having time to try out all those new recipes.
Judy Mershon Huber Wolfenbarger is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Keith A Wolfenbarger, MD; her sister, Jane Huber Cain of New Market, Va.; three daughters, Susan Brunell, of Houston, Texas, Ann Brunell Bitter (Kavin) of Fort Mill, S.C., and, Jane Wolfenbarger Emmart (Mark), of Wilmington, N.C.; a son, Herbert “Bert” Brunell (Dixie) of Ruidoso, N.M.; and, step daughters Missy Wolfenbarger-Baskervill (Robert) of Oriental, N.C. and Laura Wolfenbarger Dugan, of Oriental, N.C. Judy also had seven granddaughters: Diah, Mindy, Kayci, Brunell, Caroline, Mackenzie Bitter and, Saylor and Katherine Emmart; and five great-grandchildren, Erika, Hayden, Allie, Paige and Mason.
Arrangements are being made by Andrews Funeral Home of Wilmington, N.C. No service is planned at this time; a memorial service will be announced at a later date. Donations in her memory may be given to a charitable organization of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com.

Andrews Mortuary Market St. Chapel**
P.O. Box 1319
Willimington, N.C., 28402
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, June 7, 2013