Judith “Judy” M. Barney, age 77, of Butte, Montana, passed away on May 16, 2020. Judy was born on March 29, 1943 to Margaret Annetta Wilson and Thomas Walter Dempsey in Williston, ND. Judy grew up in Rocker, MT, as her father worked for BA&P Railroad. She graduated from Butte High School and married her high school sweetheart, Bill Ferko. They had 3 children, William, Julie, and Jackie. They later divorced.
Judy worked in the mental health field for years learning and helping those with mental health issues. Later she made a career in sales and marketing working in radio and newspaper.
She met the love of her life in 1978, Bruce Barney. Never in a million years did she see herself with a cowboy, however, this cowboy stole her heart and completed her world. They married soon after they met. Judy and Bruce lived a wonderful and adventurous life together camping, fishing and 4-wheeling every chance they could. They bought a motor home and went to Banff National Park to drink from the magic healing waters of the Glaciers; this was a trip she talked about to all. She found AA and lived a wonderful life of sobriety thanks to the help of this wonderful man, Bruce, who left this world too soon. Judy spent 32 years clean and sober and giving back to her friends in AA. Judy was very proud of her sobriety and was proud to be known as an “old-timer”. She was kind, intelligent, funny and her wisdom was shared to many.
Judy has 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren – she loved and was so proud of ALL of them and the accomplishments each have made. Spending time with her kids and grandkids meant the world to her. Any chance she could talk them into taking her for a ride in the car and tell stories was a happy day for her.
She was a wonderful, intelligent, kind, caring, and loving women; everything good and positive a person can be. Her wisdom and kindness will not be forgotten. She touched many people, helped many, and loved us all. She was a wonderful storyteller and a great listener.
Judy has reunited with her beloved husband, Bruce, and together they watch over the family! God Bless and Thank you Judy for a life well lived. You will be missed dearly.
Judy is survived by her children, Bill and Alana Ferko, Julie Giacomini and George Giacomini, and Jackie and Rick Rawson; grandkids, Josh Rawson and Stef Brown, Kristy and Cory Mihailovich, Cody and Baylee Rawson, Brenna and Darin Anderson, Mack Ferko, Brian Giacomini and Heather Stevens, and Hailey Giacomini; great grandkids Cloey, Kenny and Matthew Rawson, Paige McLaughlin and Samuel Mihailovich, Hunter, Peyton, and Landen Anderson, Emma, Annabell and Benjamin Giacomini, and Everlee Rawson.
Services will be held at a later date and will be announced when arrangements are complete. Memorials in honor of Judy are suggested to a foundation of the donor’s choosing. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Judy.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Judy and her family.
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Rose Lakel says
I love you Judy, I’ll never forget your wisdom you taught me. LET IT HAPPEN TO YOU SPIRITUALLY! REST IN LOVE MY GREAT FRIEND. MY HEART HURTS, IM SO GREATFUL GOD GAVE ME YOU♡ LOVE ROSE LAKEL
Julie says
Mom, I’m so thankful that we grew together as Christians. I know right where you are, and I know that Jesus and God have their loving arms around you and that they are so happy to have you home. Now, I can’t even begin to know how happy you are to see Gramma, Grampa, and Bruce, but I know how happy they are to see you. I am blessed to have had you as my Mom, and as my friend. Thank you for your wisdom, your sense of humor and for your help this week with my new job. I will watch for your signs and know that I’m so proud of you! Thanks for all the treasures at your house that we are finding! I love you Momma, Julie
Andre' Martell-Boucher says
Judy was a wonderful,caring person whom I’m glad I got to know. I enjoyed our visits every month when she came to Silver House to “work” her one hour. Truth be told,there was never a lot of work getting done since we mainly sat and visited. She was a great conversationalist and kept me entertained with her stories and updates on her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. I will miss her snicker when she told a funny story and she ALWAYS had a funny story. Judy’s visits always made my day better. I know she is probably bending St Peter’s ear right now and heaven just got a little bit livelier!
Pat says
My condolences to Judy’s family, Jackie and Bill especially. Judy was a real trooper with a ready smile and a quip of advice with a bit of humor to boot. May she rest in peace. She will certainly be missed!
Vonnie says
I will always miss you Judy. You have been an influential friend in my life. For all of my sad and scary life changes you were there for me. Your wisdom helped me to move forward when I was stopped by fear. You loved me and I loved you. Thank you for raising your amazing children that I call my family. You will always be in my heart.
John Willard says
Gonna miss you Judy , thanks for being a friend . I was glad your were attending our Zoom group , your sharing was always from the heart and honest . You left us so sudden. It shocked me when I heard the news from Sarah , we loved you Judy , Glad you didn’t have to suffer a ton in the end . See you when I get there . Love , John W.
Sharon Barney Becton says
I always admired you and appreciated the love you n Bruce had. Your family was an important part of your life
Rosa persinger says
Your mom was a great friend. I will miss her alot. I know she will be happy to reunite with Bruce. I’m so sorry about her kids and grand kids loss of her. May she rest in peace.
Jessica says
I had the pleasure of working with Judy at the radio station. I will never forget how she would always come and get Eric out of his car seat and spoil him till she headed back out to sell. The way she would light up everytime she had him. She has the greatest smile that matched her heart. So sorry to her family I know she I’ll be missed but I’m sure you have some amazing memories to think back on. – Jessica Johnson McGee
Kimmie Gollinger says
Jackie,Julie, and Bill, I am soo sorry to hear this. I am so thankful I got to know her more when I worked at Continental Gardens. She was family to me. And all of you are too! Because our dads were best friends. She was the kindest to me ever! I will cherish that forever. I feel so sad I didn’t get to see her before she passed I was always hoping she could come to live at Beehive. 🙁 if there is anything I can do.. I know that sounds so cliche but you guys are like family . And I am going to miss her! I just loved her to bits. Now she isn’t suffering anymore. I love you guys! Please take care! 🤗 ((Hugs)) to all of you ❤️ And deepest sympathy. Love, Kimmie Gollinger
Pat Coleman says
So devastated to hear of Judy passing. She was a great friend. In our latter years. We all became very busy caring for our growing families and unable to get together. But she has always been in my thoughts and prayers. R.I.P. My friend you touched many lives I will miss you and your smile.🙏🙏❤❤❤