Judith Lynn Verbrugge

Judith Lynn (Hogan) Verbrugge (“Judy”) was born in Los Angeles on February 18, 1942, to Gordon and Jean (Schurman) Hogan. After residing in several locations, including Eugene and Ephrata, they ultimately settled in Stevenson, Washington, where she completed her high school education.

Following high school, Judy relocated to Yakima and pursued her studies in teaching at Central Washington University. She subsequently taught high school English in Selah for a few years. During this time, she met Martin Verbrugge of Wapato, and they began their lifelong journey together, marrying on December 21, 1963. The couple resided in Gleed for several years while Marty farmed and Judy taught English, until she left her teaching position to focus on raising their four children. They later moved to Sawyer, where they lived until relocating to Yakima in 1999, where she remained until her passing on May 4, 2025. Although Yakima was home, Judy built and loved her home-away-from-home in Sunriver, Oregon. Her family has many cherished memories from holidays, ski trips, and summer relaxation in Sunriver. Even though Judy designed this as a skiers home, she tried, but hated, skiing! She was much happier sending the family up skiing so she could put together a hearty meal for us to return to. Later in life, Judy and Marty shifted to the easygoing lifestyle at Deep Canyon Tennis Club, where they built another beautiful group of friends.

Judy was well-known for her ability to bring people together and create lasting memories. Her involvement in various activities was extensive and diverse. Once her children were older, she took up tennis, where she found a community of lifelong friends. Along with her close friends Maureen Adkison, Nan Menke, and Jan Peddicord, Judy kept the Yakima Tennis Club humming with fun. The tennis party continued at the pool parties in Palm Desert with her Deep Canyon friends and on the deck of her house in Sunriver.

Throughout her children's schooling, Judy served on the school board, including several terms as President. After her children had graduated, she dedicated time to serving as a guardian ad litem for children in Yakima. In 1996, Judy officially joined Marty in his eternal love of his alma mater Washington State University, when she was proudly certified as an “Adopted Cougar” by the WSU Alumni Association. Together they attended hundreds, possibly thousands, of football games over the years, showing unwavering support of their sacred Cougs. The highlight of their year was a WSU victory over UW at the Apple Cup!

Above all, Judy will be remembered for her vibrant personality and her knack for bringing people together. She was an amazing cook and the ultimate hostess. Her home was frequently the venue for family dinners, holiday celebrations, and summer picnics in Sunriver to stay connected with friends from out-of-state. For many years, Judy and her sister-in-law, Marilyn Feis, organized and hosted large Olson family reunions, complete with pickleball tournaments. The memories she created by these events will forever be cherished by her family and friends. Judy was intentional about designing spaces in her homes that fostered gatherings, teaching those around her the importance of enjoying life with loved ones and celebrating meaningful moments.

Judy is survived by her husband of 61 years, Marty Verbrugge, and her children Peter Verbrugge, Carol Buckingham, Mary Jacky, and John Verbrugge and nine grandchildren. She also leaves behind her siblings Anne, Jim, and Jeff Hogan.

Please join us on June 18th from 2-5pm at the Yakima Tennis Club Outdoor Facility, when we will gather together to celebrate Judy one more time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Washington State University (WSU) athletics, or to the Martin and Judy Verbrugge Endowed Scholarship at WSU.

Go Cougs!