Judith Anne Futch, 77, of Burgaw passed from her earthly life Monday, November 29, 2021 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington.

She was born January 14, 1944 in Burgaw to Kenneth Culbreth Futch Sr. and Elizabeth Carswell Futch. Judith was preceded in death by her husband, Gallius E. Matheny; her parents; and her  sister, Ellen F. Rusnak.

Judith is survived by her brother, Kenneth C. Futch, Jr. (Linda); sister, Libby F. Rooks (Charles); step-daughter, Allison Matheny; step-grandsons, Cameron Green and Owen Green; nieces and nephews, Stephanie R. Hudson (Bill), Stephen Rusnak, Caitlin R. Jepsen (Phil), Kenneth Futch III, Karen F. Campbell (Michael), Jeffrey C. Rooks (Ginny) and Sabra R. Permar (Chip); and many great nieces and great nephews.

A valedictorian and National Merit winner from Burgaw High School, Judy received a Batchelor degree in Political Science from Duke University and a Law degree from Yale University. Starting her governmental career with the IRS, she worked with the Price Commission, before serving on Senator Sam Irvin's Sub-committee on Constitution Rights. She then joined the US Information Agency and served in Embassy Liaison Officer posts in Madrid, New Delhi, Seoul, and Rome. As a foreign service officer for the State Department, she assisted with logistics for the Olympic Games in Turin and Vancouver. Her travels for work and pleasure enabled Judy the opportunity to travel to 112 foreign countries. Upon retirement, she and Gale moved to Ashland, VA.  In addition to traveling, attending the theater and playing bridge, gardening became her new passion. She was president of two gardening clubs and gave lectures and demonstrations on bonsai and Ikebana flower arrangements.

A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Burgaw United Methodist Church with Pastor Matthew Hayes conducting the service.

Following the service there will be a reception and a time of fellowship in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to Burgaw United Methodist Church, PO Box 26, Burgaw, NC 28425.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall.

A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.