Judith (Judy) Jane Rentschler, 85, passed away February 15, 2024 at Kearney Regional Medical Center, Kearney, NE.
Judy Emigh was born February 26, 1938 in rural Sheridan County to Lyle Zadoc and Clyda Belle (Shaw) Emigh.
She was raised in Sheridan County and graduated from Selden High School in 1956. After high school she worked at her families cafe in Selden where she met LaVern. On November 17, 1957 she married LaVern William Rentschler in the United Methodist Church in Selden. To this union they were blessed with three children, Ronald LaVern, Vickie Lynn and Julie Lynelle.
They made their residence in Smith Center in 1959. In 1972 she began working at USD #237 in the food service for 22 years when she retired. She enjoyed getting to see all her children & grandchildren at school over the years.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women, Smith Center. She loved volunteering at the Hardly Used Shop.
She loved her family dearly, following her three children, six grandchildren & twelve great grandchildren with any event they were involved in. She was truly a Redmen and Lady Red fan!!
Her & LaVern participated in antique tractor pulls. They would travel to the pulls & she loved to cheer him on. They enjoyed attending KS & NE State Fairs over the years. She was a collector of Precious Moments and they visited The Precious Moment Chapel in Carthage, MO. They also enjoyed vacationing in Branson, MO.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Brother Gary Emigh, Sister Joan Emigh and Sister-in-law Ailene Phelps.
She is survived by her husband LaVern of the home. Son: Ron (Theresa) Rentschler of Smith Center, KS. Daughters: Vickie St. Clair and Julie Schmidt both of Smith Center, KS. Six grandchildren Adam (Merissa) Rentschler of Smith Center, KS; JD St. Clair of Belton, MO; Blake St. Clair of Englewood, CO; Brooklyn St. Clair of Peabody, KS; Monroe (Shalynn) Schmidt of Smith Center, KS; Cierra (Zach) Wallgren of Smith Center, KS. Twelve great grandchildren: Tallon, Tinley, Tatumn, Turner Rentschler; Kinsley, Kacelyn, Vee St. Clair; Sawyer, Huxley, Gemma Schmidt; Emberleigh, Rigby Wallgren. Sister-in-law Shirley Emigh of Selden, KS and Brother-in-law Silas Phelps of Wichita, KS.