Judy Ann Dunbar

Judy Ann Dunbar, 81, passed away November 8, 2023 at Sweet Memorial Nursing Home. A service was held at 10 AM, November 18, 2023 at Chinook High School Auditorium. Graveside Service and Luncheon Following at Wallner Hall. Public viewing will be held Friday, November 17, 2023 at Wilderness Funeral Homes from 3-5 PM.

Judy was born January 17, 1942 in Choteau, MT to Flora and Paul Parker, Judy spent her childhood traveling the state of Montana as her dad, Paul, followed his dreams. She returned to Choteau, MT her senior year and graduated from Choteau High School. The summer following graduation, Judy worked in Yellowstone National Park as a secretary and waitress to pay for her college education. She attended MSU-N in Havre, MT that fall where she earned a bachelors degree for teaching.

Judy started her teaching career in the Bears Paw Mountains where she taught at several rural school houses. While teaching school at Cleveland, MT, Judy met a local rancher by the name of Joe Dunbar whom she married on February 14, 1971. Judy finished that school year and taught half a school year more at Lone Tree Bench. She then quit teaching to start her life as a rancher, wife, and mother. Judy and Joe suffered many hardships in their journey to start a family until November 8, 1978 when James Paul Dunbar was born. 20 months later Joseph Alex Dunbar was born July 2, 1980.

Judy enjoyed Motherhood to the fullest. She encouraged her children to participate in many sports and activities, which she attended with full support and volunteered for many of these events as well. While raising her children, Judy also spent some time substitute teaching.

After raising her sons, Judy was blessed with three grandchildren Wyatt Dunbar, Callie Dunbar, and Dylan Dunbar. Judy loved being a grandma. She encouraged her grandchildren just as she did her children. She enjoyed attending their events and supported them in anyway possible. She loved spending time with each of them and cherished watching them grow.

Throughout her life Judy enjoyed many different things such as tumbling and gymnastics, skiing, fishing, trapping, shooting gophers, getting and chopping firewood, riding horses, traveling, reading, watching western movies, gardening, and preserving food. Judy loved her home in the Bears Paw Mountains. Judy loved the ranch and all aspects of it. She also enjoyed the companionship of her pets throughout the years.

Judy was preceded in death by her daughter Tammy Lea, mother Flora, father Paul, husband Joe, and brother Bob.

Judy is survived by her children James Dunbar and Joe (Candice) Dunbar, grandchildren Wyatt, Callie, and Dylan Dunbar, many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Sweet Memorial Nursing Home.