Judith Ann Derenthal

April 12, 1941 - February 22, 2023

Judith Ann Derenthal, 81 of Check passed away on February 22, 2023. As a registered nurse, Judy spent the last 20 years of her profession in a neo-natal intensive care unit at Morristown Memorial Hospital. Retiring in 2005, she and her husband, Jerry, moved from New Jersey to make Check their place of retirement because of the beauty of Floyd County and wonderful people that live here. Judy was an avid reader, especially of history and murder mysteries. She loved animals, even giving names to the deer who frequented our yard. She loved organic gardening and was known for hiking five miles per day. Paintings by fourteenth century Flemish Renaissance painters were her favorite form of art, and nothing would make her happier than spending time in the NY Metropolitan Museum of Art. A good person to the core, Judy was a loving, giving person, very generous with her time and money --- others always came first. A witty conversationalist until Alzheimer's took that away. Lived in Europe for two years and often shared wonderful memories of several European vacations with her husband. Highlights to her were ancient monasteries and cathedrals and sleeping in a 10th century abbey in France and a 9th century castle in England. She was preceded in death by her parents, William D. Harbeson, Sr and Edity G. Harbeson. She is survived by her husband, Jerry Derenthal, her sister, Dawn Harbeson, her brother Bill Harbeson of Boonton, NJ, 3 nephews and 3 stepchildren. There will be no services held at this time.

Judy could add to any conversation with her intelligence, quick wit, and playful humor. She was a kind & welcoming stepmother with a wise soul and special appreciation for nature. We will cherish the way she shared her passion for art, history, & traveling and fondly remember her penchant for Sancerre wine & outstanding abilities with French cooking. Judy will be missed greatly but her bright smile, when on a hike or in the garden, will live forever in our hearts and minds. Love, Bobby & Laura Bloom & Family

It was a pleasure to help take care of Judy, she will be greatly missed.

Judy had such a welcoming presence and delightful personality. She went out of her way to make us feel comfortable and always showed an interest in our lives. Spending time with Judy was always a pleasure and often a learning experience. Long conversations, her open mind and diverse interests, and her ability to find humor in the most unlikely of places. An intelligent, critical thinker, with a loving, accepting nature, she was gracious and thoughtful, a superb cook, and a great ping pong player. She made us laugh and shared her home and garden with us and her love of nature. A lovely Step-Mom, we will miss her dearly.

Judy will be missed.

Judy was my cousin, a young adult when I was a kid. And, although I only saw her from time-to-time, she was always friendly, kind, personable & pretty. My heartfelt sympathies to her family & friends.

Judy was my cousin, a young adult when I was a kid. And, although I only saw her from time-to-time, she was always friendly, kind, personable & pretty. My heartfelt sympathies to her family & friends.

I wish to pass along to Jerry her Husband my condolences. The past year since her diagnosis I know was difficult for him watching the woman he loved, my aunt, lose any connection and memories of their long life together. Judy loved to have us visit on Thanksgiving for many years as she hosted the extended families at her and Jerry's marvelous house they both so loved and those visits are have a special place in my memory of my aunt. I remember as a child she and her sister Dawn would take my brother Nathan and I to the movies and watch the James Bond films.

Judy's graciousness, strength of spirit, and warmth touched us deeply. Judy, along with my Dad, Jerry Sr, help me, Jerry Jr, through many a tough time. Judy never tired of helping me, and for that I am a better person and forever grateful. We will miss Judy’s quirky sense of humor. We will miss everything about her. We love you Judy.