Judy Lee Nebel

Judy Lee Nebel, 80, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on March 3, 2026. Born September of 1945, in Phoenix, Arizona, Judy was the devoted and faithful daughter of the late (Van) Buran Farrar and Virgie Lee Partrige. She grew up in Phoenix and lived most of her life in Mesa, where she built a life marked by steady purpose, quiet strength, and deep belief.

Judy graduated from Northern Arizona University in 1969 with her teaching degree and dedicated 39 years to junior high students in the Mesa Unified School District. Over the course of her long career, Judy taught home economics, typing, and computers, adapting with the times while remaining constant in her commitment to her students. During the summers, she also worked as a secretary for various companies, always willing to lend her skills wherever they were needed.

Beyond her professional life, Judy expressed her creativity in many forms. She loved writing and was the author of three published books under the name JL Nebel. She also enjoyed sewing, crafts, art, and designing websites—interests that reflected both her imagination and her willingness to learn and create. And, of course, she dearly loved her cats.

Judy was a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization Chapter EZ in Mesa, Arizona, and valued the friendships and shared purpose found in that community.

Judy is survived by her brother, Dale Farrar, and her nephew, Alan Farrar, both of Glendale, Arizona, along with extended family and friends. She was preceded in death in 2014 by her spouse, Alfred (Fred) J. Nebel, whom she was married to for 30 years.

Judy passed on her love of God to others. She often said, “God works through people to touch lives with HIS overwhelming love.” Those who knew her are invited to celebrate her life and to hold close the assurance that she has gone home to be with God in a beautiful place beyond compare.

At Judy's request, there will be no visitation or funeral home service. She will be laid to rest privately with Fred at Resthaven Park Cemetery in Glendale, Arizona