March 31, 1934 - May 19, 2006
Judith Bowman White Gunter died May 19th 2006 at her home in Port Hadlock, WA after a brief illness. Judy was born March 31st, 1934 in Akron Ohio. Her family eventually settled in Richland, WA, where Judy graduated from high school. She later attended Whitman College in Walla Walla. In 1954 she married a serviceman Hodie Gunter. Judy and Hodie had four children: Debra, Greg, Tony and Randy. Her husband Hodie died in 1982. In 1978 Judy returned to college and earned a BA in History at Lamar University Beaumont, Texas. She was working at the Jefferson County Library in Beaumont Texas when she knew she had found her life's work. She went on to earn a Masters degree in Library Science at Sam Houston University in Huntsville Texas in 1986. A friend in Centralia told her about a job in Port Hadlock Washington, and she became Director of the Jefferson County Library in 1987, a position she held for 13 years before retiring in 2000. During her time as director, the library doubled in size and the collection was automated. She was loved and respected by her staff. Judy belonged to many organizations and gave freely of her time, skills, and money to help others. She joined the Soroptimists in 1987 and served as President in 1991. She was active in the Friends of Jefferson County Library serving as president for 3 years. She joined the board of the Friends of Chimacum Schools Education Foundation in 1998. She was instrumental in the success of fundraisers in all. She also volunteered at Chimacum schools as a reading tutor to encourage the love of reading and education. Judy loved to travel and after retiring visited England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, St John Canada, and Washington D.C. She "got a kick" out of her acting debut with Key City Players, and performed in 3 plays, including Shakespeare in the Park. She is survived by her sister Ruth Tanner of Richland Washington, 2 brothers Don White, California, and Joseph White of Oregon; Her children Debra Radomski, Greg Gunter, and Randy Gunter of Texas, and Tony Gunter, Iowa: She enjoyed getting calls, emails, and visits from her 10 grandchildren: Dustin, Richard, Kelli, Marian, Stacey, Danielle, Lisa, Marc, Robbie, and Frank. The Olympic Peninsula was home to Judy from the moment she crossed the Hood Canal Bridge. She spent many happy hours enjoying the view from the deck of her Port Hadlock home. Her friends and family will miss her sense of humor, dedication, and friendship. A memorial service will be held at the Elks Lodge, 555 Otto Street Port Townsend, on Thursday May 25th, from 2-4 p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend. Judy's expressed wish was that in lieu of flowers a "living memorial" be established with FOCS Education Foundation for scholarships. Remembrances can be sent to FOCS P.O. Box 192, Chimacum, WA 98325.