Judith “Judi” Farganus, 82, a nurse whose career was defined by steady compassion and service to others, died suddenly on June 3, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona. She was born Dec. 18, 1943, in Rock Falls, Illinois, the daughter of Ronald L. Renner and Julia A. (Schick) Renner. Family and friends remember her for a warm presence, a ready smile and an ability to bring people together wherever she went.
Portrait of Judith Farganus included with her obituary; born Dec. 18, 1943, died June 3, 2026, with visitation scheduled Aug. 8 in Mesa, Arizona.
Judi devoted much of her working life to nursing. She served patients at the Maricopa County Jail and at Maricopa Integrated Health System, where colleagues and those who knew her noted her steady demeanor and compassionate care. Her professional life was centered on tending to others in challenging environments, and she left a mark on many lives through that work.
Outside of her nursing career, caregiving and connection to community shaped the way Judi lived. She was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church of Mesa, where her faith remained an important part of her life. The church will host a visitation and memorial service in her honor on Aug. 8, 2026, continuing the ties she maintained with fellow congregants.
Judi’s interests extended well beyond her professional and spiritual communities. She was an avid sports fan who enjoyed cheering on local teams at both the professional and college levels. Travel was another passion: she treasured trips that took her to Europe, Australia and South America. Those journeys reflected a curiosity about the world and an eagerness to experience different places and cultures.
Photography and a love of wildlife were among the personal pleasures that occupied her time. She spent hours with her camera capturing birds, other wildlife and the Salt River wild horses, finding quiet satisfaction in the rhythms of nature and the patient work of photographing animals in their habitats. Those images were an expression of the connection she felt to the natural world and the landscapes she visited.
Family was central to Judi’s life. She is survived by her daughter, Kelly Karas of East Bethel, Minnesota; her sons, Jeff Farganus of Mesa, Arizona, and David Farganus of Fruita, Colorado; her brother, John Renner of Sterling, Illinois; and her sister, Tanya Brockmeyer and her husband, Paul. She was also a grandmother to nine and a great-grandmother to nine. Those who gathered with her described how she could sit at a table with acquaintances and strangers alike and, by the time the afternoon ended, have everyone listening to her jokes and corny puns — a testament to a warm, inviting personality that made people feel welcome.
A public visitation is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. on Aug. 8, 2026, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 1844 E. Dana Avenue, Mesa, Arizona. The family has invited attendees to join them for lunch in the church hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group, PO Box 64264, Phoenix, AZ, 85082; the organization also accepts donations via Zelle, Venmo and PayPal. For those who prefer an alternative tribute, the family has provided an option to plant trees in Judi’s memory through the Sympathy Store.
The obituary was published on June 20, 2026. Family and friends are being invited to share memories, sign the guest book and leave condolences as they plan to honor Judi’s life and the many connections she cultivated over eight decades. Details about visitation, the memorial service and ways to contribute to the chosen charity are being provided to help those who wish to pay their respects.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation in Mesa; their Garden Chapel is listed at 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201, and the funeral home can be reached at (480) 964-8686 for questions about services and condolences.