Judith A. (Wine) Beard

Judith A. (Wine) Beard Obituary On the weekend of October 12, 2018, Judy Beard suddenly passed away, reuniting in Heaven with husband Gene, her parents, and more friends & family than we can count. She left quickly and peacefully, enjoying a cup of tea and about to conquer the Chicago Tribune crossword puzzle, as usual. Judy was born in December 1939 to Robert L. and Martha E. Wine. She was member of the Royerton High School class of 1957 and graduated from Ball State University in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. In 1969, while married and raising two young daughters, she also completed a Master of Arts degree in English from Ball State University. Judy taught Social Studies for one year at Golden Valley Junior High School in San Bernardino, California and then returned to Muncie where she dedicated the rest of her teaching career to students and families in the Liberty-Perry school system. Judy taught sixth grade English at Selma Middle school before her favorite assignment – Head of the English Department at Wapahani High School in Selma, IN. She served as Liberty-Perry’s Indiana State Teachers Association president in the late 1980’s, winning the M.E.C. Star Educator Award in 1992. Judy loved teaching composition and grammar, but her passion was Shakespearian literature. She used the latest technology to immerse her students in the worlds of Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo & Juliet. Even greater was her genuine love for her students and colleagues. If you were in Mrs. Beard’s class or worked with her, you knew she cared about you and would pray for you anytime. She retired in 1999, completing a 30+ year career of excellence in teaching. Judy was a life-long member of Muncie First Nazarene Church where she served on the church board, taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and devoted herself to every possible ministry in which her talents could be used. She received numerous honors over the years including the church’s highest award – The Distinguished Service Award – in 1999 with her family and friends present. Judy’s greatest pride and joy was in her family. She married Gene in 1960, sharing life together with him for 41 years until his death in 2001. She loved raising her two daughters and enjoyed traveling, reading, museums, movies, holiday activities, and of course, the 2016 World Champion Chicago Cubs! She was preceded in death by husband Eugene, parents Robert & Martha Wine, and in-laws Russell & Mary Beard. Surviving family members include her sister Linda (Steve) Roberts, daughters Jennifer (Mike) Trusty, Mindy (Jeff) Williamson, and grandchildren Madeline Daily, Elizabeth Daily, Annie Daily, Jordan (Lyndsey) Williamson, Jayna Williamson, and Kate Williamson. Calling hours are Thursday, October 18th from 4:00pm – 8:00pm at Muncie First Nazarene Church. A loving funeral service honoring Judy will be held at the church on Friday, October 19th at 10:00am with a graveside service to follow at Muncie Gardens of Memory. Memorial contributions may be made to the Liberty-Perry Classroom Teachers Association, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, or the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. #raiderpride #changinglives #gocubsgo

Judith A. (Wine) Beard

December 16, 1939 - October 14, 2018