Judith Ann (Polenz) Weber of Friend, NE was born on August 28th, 1941 in Leigh, NE. She joined our Heavenly Father on April 23, 2014. She was 72. Judy was a Nebraskan through and through. She grew up in Leigh and graduated from high school there. She attended and graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she met the love of her life, Robert Weber. At UN-L, Judy was an active and popular member of Love Hall. Her junior year, Judy was homecoming queen at the university, even receiving a kiss on the cheek from Johnny Carson. Judy thought Johnny could have used a shave. After graduation, Judy taught home economics in Aurora. On June 27, 1964, Bob and Judy were married in Leigh, Nebraska. They moved to Fort Knox, KY where Bob served in the Army. Only in Kentucky for a few years, their time spent there had a huge impact on the rest of their lives. Bob and Judy met lifelong friends. Following Bob's service, they returned to Nebraska to the family farm in Dorchester. Judy taught Home Economics in Friend. She was at ease as a farmer's wife. She was always busy homemaking, cooking, and involved in community activities. Judy's pride and joy were her three boys: John, Joel, and Doug. Being a mom suited Judy just fine, even as it became obvious that she would always be the "small woman" in a house of large boys. Even in the later years, surrounded by four men all over the 6 foot mark, everyone knew who was boss. Sports and projects seemed to fill every waking moment. Little League, Midget Football, 4-H, and eventually high school football, basketball, track, and summer baseball filled every waking hour. Whenever one of her boys was involved, Judy was there. Often, you heard her before you saw her. One infamous outburst involved an umpire's questionable strike zone interpretation. "Ump, watch your balls!" was Judy's boisterous protest. When the boys were older, she returned to the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and earned a Master's Degree in Family & Consumer Science. Her work continued as an extension educator in Fillmore County. Judy was a member of the Family & Consumer Science Partners, United Methodist Women, serving as President and as a district officer, and P.E.O. Judy made her home a cozy and comfortable retreat for all who entered. She took great care and effort both inside and outside the home as reflected in her baking skills and love of horticulture. Birds of all types were always present, beautiful flower pots overflowing with love attracted one of her favorites - the hummingbird. In her later years, she enjoyed traveling with Bob to see her kids and grandkids, exploring new places throughout the United States and world, and making Friend her new home. Throughout her life, Judy was a devout Christian. Her inner strength and calm came from a deep and solid faith in her Lord, Jesus Christ. She volunteered countless hours with the church. Everyone loved Judy. Her warm and caring spirit will forever be in our hearts. Judy is survived by her loving husband Bob, sons and daughters-in-law John & Shannon Weber (Bozeman, MT), Joel & Amy Weber (Dorchester), Doug & Christi Weber (Bozeman, MT), brother Allan and wife Marla Polenz (Bend, OR), and grandchildren Christian, Jacob, Miles and Sophia. She was preceded in death by her parents Rudolph and Eliese Polenz and Bob's parents Hans and Lena Weber.
