Judith W. Ninke

Judith W. Ninke (aka “Judy”), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend of many, passed away at her home in East Amwell Township, New Jersey, on November 21, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 23, 1937, in East Cleveland, Ohio, to the late John G. Wachter and Mildred Rybolt Wachter.

 Judy graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1959. In 1960, she met her eventual husband, William Ninke. They were married in Cleveland in 1961, where she began her work career as a social worker. In 1963, they moved to New Jersey and she took a work break as together they formed and raised a family. She returned to the work force for a ten year stretch in the 70s and 80s as an administrative assistant to the commercials casting director at Olgivy & Mather in New York City, where the organizational skills and creativity learned from raising her children helped her thrive. 

While she enjoyed the ordinary activities of family life, Judy truly found her passion in trying new things including belly dancing, flying airplanes, riding horses, and participating in dog agility classes. She even put on a pair of waders and attempted to fly fish while on vacation in Montana. Judy had a strong connection with music and was a talented pianist. She enjoyed spending time with her family, going to the beach, singing songs, telling silly stories, and making arts and crafts (beading, tie dying and paper mache). Judy was an avid reader and skilled at making books come to life while reading to her children and grandchildren. She also had an extensive vocabulary, which established her as a master of the New York Times crossword puzzles. 

A nature enthusiast, Judy had a profound love for birds, horses, poodles and really all animals. Her connection to the natural world brought her immense joy and satisfaction. Because of her love of birds she was a long time contributor to the Audubon Society. In her later days, her beloved blues jays were fed peanuts daily and became fondly known as Judy’s Jays. 

Above all, she poured her love and fun energy into her family, friends, and many pets, creating lasting memories that will live on in the hearts of those she touched. Judy’s gentle spirit, quick wit, and nurturing heart will be missed not only by her family but also by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her spicy personality will never be forgotten as “though she be but little, she is fierce.”

Judy is survived by her devoted husband of sixty-three years, William; her children, Elizabeth Ann Turner, Thomas William Ninke, and Jill Ann Flanagan; and her grandchildren, Jack Flanagan, Mariah Flanagan, Kyle Reef Turner, Aidan Flanagan, Halle Turner, Ian Flanagan, Sebastian Ninke, and Mazie Ninke. She is also survived by her brother, G. Thomas Wachter, and her sister, Cynthia Happ. In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her sister, Deborah Stiles. 

In lieu of  flowers, memorial gifts should be sent to the National Audubon Society, The Orphan Anni-mals Farm Sanctuary, Glen Gardner, NJ,  or the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, which sponsored her favorite eagle cam.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. A private memorial service will be held for family members. To send an online condolence, please visit Judy's memorial page and guestbook below at www.holcombefisher.com.