Judith (“Judy”) Moore Henningsen, 77, of Montgomery, Texas, departed her earthly life on October 18, 2020. An avid reader, traveler, sports fan, history buff and brilliant conversationalist, Judy’s intelligence and natural curiosity were matched only by her big heart and generous spirit. Judy was a beloved and irreplaceable wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend. A natural teacher, Judy encouraged her children, grandchildren and students in numerous ways; indeed, her grandchildren never left a visit with her without feeling just a little bit smarter.
Judy was born in Omaha, Nebraska on May 22, 1943 to James Moore and Dorothy Gottschalk Moore. She graduated from St. Mary School in 1957 and South High in 1961, both in Omaha. Judy was a gifted student and was a University of Nebraska Regents Scholar and the recipient of many other scholastic honors. One of twelve children, she was the first in her family to obtain a university education, graduating magna cum laude in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education (focusing on English and History) from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska. Judy was also a member of Sigma Tau Delta, a professional English fraternity.
Wayne, Nebraska was more than Judy’s college home, however. Here she met Rodney Henningsen, the love of her life and her future husband. They married on August 1, 1965 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska. Their 55-year marriage was filled with love, laughter, camaraderie and adventure. They shared a devotion to their family and were blessed with a close-knit one. Family outings, holiday get-togethers, and picnics were frequent and fun. Judy and Rodney also enjoyed quiet time on their porch looking out over Lake Conroe.
A loving mother, Judy introduced her three young girls to all kinds of activities, including reading, sports, girl scouts, theater, gardening, and arts and crafts. There were frequent trips to the Huntsville Public Library and a family favorite used book store. Judy spent many hot summer days with her daughters at Astroworld, swam in the ocean with them on Christmas Day after going to Disney World, helped them climb Mayan pyramids in Mexico, decorated their bedrooms with care and love, and made birthdays, holidays and one-on-one conversations special. Judy was also a friend to each of her daughters well into their adulthood, creating wonderful memories on vacations, at concerts and through discussions of books, movies, television shows and life. As an involved grandmother Judy had a knack for understanding the qualities that made each of her grandchildren unique. She then used that knowledge to support them with patience, wisdom and love.
Judy pursued a long and successful teaching career. She taught social studies, including history, government and economics in the Omaha public schools, through the University of Nebraska International Extension Program, and, upon moving to Texas with her husband and daughters, for many years in the Huntsville Independent School District. While working in Huntsville, Judy made many friends, including her “bunco” group. She also was a teacher sponsor for various student groups and activities. Judy retired formally from teaching after an additional teaching stint in the Goodrich Independent School District.
In retirement, Judy continued to contribute her talents to the school at the Grace Lutheran Church and School and helped sponsor students in Peru. Through church, Judy was a member of a bible study group and contributed time to Grace Lutheran’s Mission Endowment and Legacy Circle. Other important volunteer work included her service to the League of Women Voters, the San Jacinto Girl Scouts, the Rita B. Huff Humane Society and MoveOn.org.
Judy loved travel. She, her husband and her three daughters traveled much of the country together, sometimes in a camper or tent, and she regularly demonstrated her ability to cook just about anything with limited resources and a lot of creativity. She traveled internationally, including to Europe, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, China and the ocean off Antarctica. Her grandchildren later joined her on her travels as she introduced them to their Nebraska heritage, outdoor beauty and many fun and interesting places both inside and outside of Texas.
To say Judy was a sports fan is an understatement. She cheered on the Houston Oilers, the Houston Texans, Rockets and Astros; and the University of Nebraska football team no matter the odds. She was no “fair weather fan,” and she discussed sports trivia and strategy regularly with her grandsons.
Judy is survived by her husband Rodney Henningsen; daughters Ann Henningsen Al-Bahish (Anan), Kay Henningsen, and Christine Henningsen Cloud (Joel); grandchildren Kathleen Henningsen (Ren Tamayo), Sam Al-Bahish, Sabriah Al-Bahish, Hayden Cloud, Laith Al-Bahish and Lauren Cloud; sisters Betty Henley and Kathleen Rock; brother Richard Moore; and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and valued friends.
A visitation was held October 22, 2020 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Metcalf Funeral Directors, 1801 East White Oak Terrace, Conroe, Texas 77304. A celebration of life memorial service was held on November 7, 2020 at 10:00 am at the same location.
Judy’s family thanked Gloria Willoughby of Mary and Wilson’s Place and Oasis Hospice for their excellent and thoughtful care as Judy faced the challenges of illness. They helped Judy with both dignity and grace.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy were shared with the Henningsen family.
Charitable donations were made in memory of Judith Moore Henningsen to the following organizations or to a charity of choice:
Grace Lutheran Church and School
Mission Endowment Fund
13123 Texas Highway 105
Conroe, Texas 77304
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
3 International Drive, Suite 200
Rye Brook, New York 10573
The Rita B. Huff Humane Society of Walker County
530 Bearkat Blvd.
Huntsville, Texas 77340
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