Judith Kay Huff

Loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and friend, Judith Kay Huff, 79, passed away peacefully August 13, 2026, at The Brant at Gretna. Always defined by her bright smile, warm personality, and welcoming way, Judy made everyone feel as though they were wrapped in a warm hug.

She was born June 15, 1947, in Humboldt, Nebraska, and was raised on her parents' farm outside of Auburn, Nebraska. She graduated from Johnson High School in 1965, where music, hard work, and hospitality were the major hallmarks of her youth. At school, she was in the chorus, the glee club, the pep club, and served on the school paper. Her senior year, she was voted homecoming queen. Outside of school, she served as the organist at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Johnson, Nebraska-the same church where she was baptized. She also worked on the farm and helped her mother, Opal, bake wedding cakes.

Judy met her husband, Charles, in the summer of 1967 in Lincoln, Nebraska, and the two were married December 21, 1967, in Johnson, Nebraska, shortly before Charles left for Army basic training. Early in their marriage, Judy was a stay-at-home mom to three daughters, providing a home always filled with love, care, and guidance. In 1984, Judy and Charles opened their hardware store in Ralston, Nebraska, calling it CJ's Homecenter-a name combining their first initials. Along with their daughters, they built a business focused on serving the community. They took over ownership of a second store, Center Hardware, in 2006. The sale of their stores and retirement in 2014 was soon followed by a move to the Florida Keys, where the couple enjoyed hosting family and friends at their house by the ocean. Judy could often be seen riding her adult tricycle down the street or collecting sea beans along the beach. After Hurricane Irma destroyed much of their beach house in 2017, the couple rebuilt, but eventually felt the pull of home and returned to Nebraska in 2019 to be near family.

Judy's greatest love was her husband, Charles, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved long walks, playing the piano, gardening, cooking, baking, sewing, crafting, reading, and any activity that involved her grandchildren. The word hostess was synonymous with Judy; she played the role of "kinkeeper" for her family, hosting large gatherings marked by good food, laughter, and memory-making moments. She also frequently invited neighbors over for ice cream socials or breakfast.

Judy's approach to life was simple, direct, and filled with heart. Among what she called her "Life Lessons" were sayings like, "You can make a difference," "Let's make it a good day," and "This too shall pass." She was loyal, kind, and caring, and she believed firmly in living by her principles, just as her father, Victor, had taught her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Opal Oestmann; her brother, Ron Oestmann; and her sister, Beverly Oestmann.

Judy is survived by her husband of 58 years, Charles K. Huff; her brother and sister-in-law, Willis and Carol Oestmann; her daughters and sons-in-law, Tisha and John Burkholder, Lori and Clay Maranville, and Christine and Chip Holland; and brother-in-law, Ron L. Oestmann; and her grandchildren, James Burkholder and his wife, Rachel Jackson, Patrick Burkholder, Jackson Burkholder, Alex Maranville and his wife, Krysta, Sydney Maranville, Piper Holland, and Keltie Holland.

A private celebration of life will be held for Judy at a later date. Memorials can be given to the Turtle Hospital (Hidden Harbor Marine Environmental Project, Inc.), 2396 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050; or any reputable charity of your choice supporting caregiving services for those with dementia.