June 4, 1946 – March 13, 2025
Judith Marie Onsum Fortenberry went home to her Lord and Savior March 13, 2025. She leaves a legacy of love, faith, humor, adventure, and dedication to her family and friends.
Judy was born June 4, 1946 to Owen and Betty Onsum in Seattle. On September 3, 1966, on a blind date she met the love of her life, Radon Fortenberry. The connection was Providential and immediate and soon blossomed into a storybook love. They married July 13, 1968, and built a family and careers based on a partnership of love and faith. She was the perfect wife and mother who supported her family with love unconditionally.Judy lived a life of deep faith and love of the Lord. Her life was a testament of her faith and she served others as a Sunday School teacher, worship leader, choir member, and trusted sounding board for many.
A lifelong learner and dedicated educator Judy earned a BA in English from UCLA in 1969 and a MS in Education from USC in 1971. Her career as an outstanding teacher began in California at Culver City Jr. High, continued in McFarland, and culminated in 2012 after 28 years at Shafter High School. She was passionate about the art of teaching and developing the potential of all her students.
Judy was a lady of many talents and interests. She loved water and snow skiing, live theatre, concerts, Shakespeare, completing the LA marathon twice, and the Goodwill Games Marathon In Seattle. She especially enjoyed spending every summer on Orcas with her family in their Scenic Lane home. Judy loved the PNW, the community of friends on Orcas and the Orcas Island Community Church. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Owen and Betty Onsum, and her sister Catherine Ericsson. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 56 years Radon, children Karen Darling, Scottsdale, AZ, Lance Fortenberry (Dr. Lynne Do), San Diego, and Keith (Beste) Fortenberry, Heidelberg, Germany. Adored grandchildren Nicholas, Victoria, and Trevor Darling, Eva and Elise Fortenberry and Aslan Fortenberry, brothers John Onsum (Rita) Eastsound, David Onsum (Lynn) Bakersfield and Eastsound.
