The Life of Judith Diane Custer

In Memory of
Judith "Judi" Diane Custer
April 2, 1943 - January 22, 2016

WINTER HAVEN - Mrs. Judith D. Custer, age 72, quietly passed away Friday January 22, 2016 at home with her husband at her side. Judi was born April 2, 1943 in Sidney, New York to Charles and Thelma Merk. She grew up there and went to Lycoming College, Williamsport, Pennsylvania in 1961 where she met her future husband, Bob Custer, a Sophomore. She was cute and he snagged her before any of the upper classmen had a chance! She graduated in 1965 with a major in Psychology and Education. On Jan 8, 1966 they were married in Sidney and recently celebrated their 50th Anniversary with more than 70 friends. Judi taught in Polk County for 25 years after which she retired (the first time). During this time period Judi developed the Gifted Program, expanded the Chess Program, developed and coached the Academic Competition Team and ultimately was awarded the Brigham Elementary "Teacher of the Year". She then continued teaching for six years with the Department of Defense in both Spain and Japan. Naturally, she and Bob found time to be adventurous and travel around Europe and Asia – What a life!! In 2014 she and Bob returned home to Winter Haven. After four years, her previously diagnosed Pulmonary Fibrosis gradually became too much for her to handle.

Judi is survived by husband Bob, son Christopher, daughter Jennifer Copeland and her husband Terry and their children Reid and Nicholas, sister Bonnie Merk, brother John Merk and his wife, Billie, and sister in law, Elizabeth.

A highly musical memorial service will be held on Saturday afternoon, January 30 at Beymer United Methodist Church at 1 pm. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Beymer UMC Music Department.

Memorial Service
Saturday, January 30, 2016 | 1:00 pm
Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church
Winter Haven, Florida