Judy Ann Dunbar (née Johnson), 80
Judy Ann Dunbar (née Johnson), preacher’s wife, mother, homemaker, insurance saleswoman, seniors’ residence administrator, and servant leader in Christ’s church, passed into glory 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kalispell, of complications unrelated to Covid-19, at the age of 80 years.
Judy was born June 11, 1941, in Malta, Montana, eldest of two daughters, to Harry and Marian Johnson, sheet-metal journeyman and banker, respectively. Judy’s life and ministry were focused on her family and the church. Her Grandma Johnson taught Judy the sewing and crafting skills that would enhance the lives of all whom Judy touched throughout her life.
As a teenager, Judy was chosen to serve as Tacoma’s Daffodil Queen — a young woman as beautiful inside as on the outside!
Allan and Judy Dunbar were married Sept. 10, 1960, in Tacoma, Washington, and began their family and partnership in ministry of more than 60 years. Judy’s supportive role cannot be over-estimated.
After graduating from Alberta Bible College in 1960, God’s calling led them to many locations: Hanna Church of Christ, Alberta; South Side Christian Church, Hammond, Indiana; Florence Christian Church, Oregon coast. In 1973, they returned to Calgary to serve a church that would impact that city and beyond. Bus ministry, 22 years on a Sunday TV program that Judy named …”To You … with Love.”
Beyond the local church ministry, Judy provided her special touch for city-wide events: like the Billy Graham Crusade — and Christian ministry to thousands during Calgary’s Winter Olympics.
Later, they accepted a call to the presidency of Puget Sound Christian College (PSCC), in Edmonds, Washington. Judy was the best “First Lady” a college ever had.
Our final ministry was to serve as executive director of the North American Christian Convention blessing thousands of Christians across Canada and the USA.
Upon retiring in 2011, they moved to Kalispell, taking Judy’s mother with them to be near her mother’s sisters. They became active members of Kalispell’s Family Life Christian Church. They enjoyed visits with the family of their son, Daren, and daughter-in-law, Joy, who live in Calgary, Alberta, and with their daughter, Jill, who lives in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
Judy was more than a support to Allan as she pursued ministry and leadership in her own right. Managing a senior citizen’s residence — a leader among women’s ministries — and a catalyst for togetherness in prayer and fellowship.
Judy loved Jesus. She loved Allan. She loved her son, her daughter, her daughter-in-law, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Judy loved people, and they loved her back! To paraphrase the Apostle Paul, Judy personified that “greatest of all gifts, Love.”
Predeceased by her parents, Harry (1989) and Marion (2014), Judy Ann Dunbar leaves to mourn husband, Allan; sister, Connie Johnson; son, Daren (Joy), and daughter, Jill; grandchildren, JT Dunbar and Jelisa (Wolfgang) Kendler; and great-granddaughters, Deja and Kali.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. (MST), Saturday, Feb. 12, at Family Life Christian Church,1075 Foys Lake Road, Kalispell, MT 59901.
The “Celebration of Life” service will be available to all using this link: https://bit.ly/Judy_Dunbar
In lieu of flowers, dear to Judy’s heart would be a gift designated to the “Mission Ministry Outreach,” of Family Life Christian Church.