Judy Horner Dean, 74, of Centre Hall, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. Born on December 16, 1946, in Bellefonte, she was the daughter of the late Robert W. and Phyllis M. (Foster) Horner. In January of 1965, she married Ray Dean, who preceded her in death in October of 1988.
Judy was a 1964 graduate of State College High School. She earned her LPN degree from the Centre County Vocational-Technical School. She has worked at various places throughout the area and other states, but she worked at the Laurelton Center for several years. She was of the Lutheran faith.
Judy was a woman of extraordinary character. She enjoyed reading books and cookbooks and eating Middlesworth plain potato chips. She was often seen with a Pepsi in one hand and a cigarette in the other. Her home was a safe and welcome place for anyone that needed it. She was the “go-to” person when someone needed advice or had problems in life. She was always there and will continue to be that voice of reason and cheerful encouragement to anyone that needs her. She was that person that, without fail, would wake up early in the morning and call to be the first person to sing Happy Birthday to you on your birthday. Time with family was precious to her, whether it was camping at Grange Fair or hanging out at the river lot along the Juniata River, she loved every minute of it. Her cheerful attitude was contagious and comforting. She will forever be loved and missed by many including her beloved canine companion, Ginger, who stayed by her side until the very end.
Judy is survived by her son, Ray E. Dean and his wife, Dawn, of Madisonburg; her daughter, Sherri L. Dean of Centre Hall; five grandchildren, Jordan Evans and his wife, Caity, of State College, Garrett Evens of New York, Shane Dunlap and his fiancé, Shannon Rhoades, of Centre Hall, Shannon Dunlap and his wife, Ashley, of Centre Hall, and Michelle Kunes and her husband, Ryan, of Mill Hall; and six great grandchildren, Mason and Diah Dunlap, Tucker Taylor, Brinn and Ainsley Kunes, and Tori Evans.
Judy is also survived by one brother, Robert Horner and his wife, Linda, of State College; one sister, Shawn Cox of Zion; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents and Ray, Judy was preceded in death by her sister, Bonita “Bunny” Burke.
A celebration of life with family will be held privately at a later date. Judy will be laid to rest at Farmers Mills Union Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc, PO Box 579, Centre Hall, PA 16828.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc 228 S. Pennsylvania Ave., PO Box 579, Centre Hall, PA 16828. An online guest book can be signed or condolences to the family available at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com.