Judith Ann Brothers Barger
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Judith Ann Brothers Barger was born June 27, 1940, and passed from this life on July 25, 2010. She died in her home, in Harrisburg, which was as she wanted it.
She was the daughter of Kenneth and Wilma Brothers, the sister of Kenneth Dale Brothers, and the mother of Cheryl Ann (Barger) Blair, David Bruce Barger (Kelly), and Peter James Barger (Stacie). She had seven beloved grandchildren, Alexandra Barger, David Blair, Nicholas Barger, Joseph Blair, Jacob Barger, Shiloh Barger and Jolie Barger. Anyone who knew her knew about her children and grandchildren. She was very proud of them all, and she took care of them until the day she died.
She worked for 23 years at Vienna Correctional Center and attained the rank of sergeant before she retired in 2000. She was very proud of this accomplishment and left behind many friends when she left. She always fondly remembered her days working there.
Judy was active in her community and a member of the Harrisburg Lions Club. She was also very vocal of her stand against the practice of abortion and volunteered with the national Right to Life organization.
Those she left behind will miss her deeply but we take comfort in the some of the words she left for us upon her passing:
"Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free;
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard him call;
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day, for laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way; I found that place at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy, a friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss; ah yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow; I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much; good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief; don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me; God wanted me now, he set me free."
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 30, 2010, at Reed Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Bernie Cowgill officiating. Burial will follow in Palestine Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 29, 2010, at Reed Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be sent to family members at the Internet site www.reedfuneralchapel.com.