Judith E. (Rink) Buckenmyer

June 2, 2020

Judith (Judy) E. Buckenmyer, age 59, affectionately known as “Mrs. Buck” by her students, was called home on June 2, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. A resident of Liberty Township, OH, she was the wife of Mike (Buck) Buckenmyer. Born in Adrian, MI to Herbert and Virginia (Wonder) Rink, she was the 8th of 9 children. Judy was blessed with many of her mother's characteristics, although her wry sense of humor was definitely a trait of her father. She and Buck, both math teachers, met at Central Catholic High School, Toledo, before transferring to Swanton High School. She spent the last 19 years teaching at Lakota East and retired in May after 35 years. She was the heart and soul of her school and was named Teacher of the Year 2019-2020. Always smiling, she was adored by her students, respected by her colleagues, and dearly loved by her family and countless friends. Judy was salutatorian of her Adrian High School class and completed her bachelor's degree from Siena Heights University with summa cum laude distinction. A gifted educator, she strove to make learning interesting and fun. Sr. Eileen Rice and Dr. Tim Husband were two of her most influential mentors and she embodied their principles into her teaching. She received her Masters of Art & Teaching (MAT) degree from Miami University in secondary mathematics. Family was the center of her life. Married just shy of 27 years, Buck and Judy shared many adventures together. A loving and devoted mother, she never missed her children's sporting events. Nothing made her happier than her family; she was so proud of them and their accomplishments. Judy was looking forward to her children’s graduations from college this year and the beginning of their careers; Brad (BA, Business, OSU) and Lea (DPT, Belmont University). She went above and beyond for her students in and outside the classroom and grew to know them as individuals. Judy cheered on the Thunderhawks at sporting events, attended student musicals and chaperoned proms. She also traveled hours to support her great nephews and nieces at their games and baked cookies for their entire teams. Judy was excited about her post teaching life and after a short break, planned to expand her charity and volunteer work. In the Fall, she was to return to Lakota East in a non-teaching role. From a distance, she stayed connected to her family and friends and visited Adrian several times a year, and always at Christmas. She loved all animals and volunteered as a dog walker for SPCA, where she recently adopted her beloved rescue puppy, Elliot. A master “tweeter”, her dry wit and timely zingers kept us laughing. Judy loved the Lord, her family, friends, students, dogs, helping others, Trevor Noah, Detroit Tigers, and U of M sports. She had a profound impact on everyone who knew her and left this world a better and kinder place. Judy is survived by her loving husband, Mike; daughter, Lea; son, Brad; Siblings Barbara (Mike) Mohler, Mary (Terry) Fitzgerald, Susan Arbaugh, Steve (Clarice) Rink, Dave (Gloria) Rink, Tom (Pam) Rink and Laura Rink; mother-in-law, Marcia Buckenmyer; brother-in- law, Joe Buckenmyer; and sister-in-law, Lynn (Ken) Konoff; beloved dog, Elliot; aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jimmy Rink; father-in-law, Charles; grandparents, aunts and uncles. There will be private services for Judy in Liberty Township on June 12th and 13th, 2020. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2020, at 12 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Food Pantry @ Faith Community Methodist Church, 8230 Cox Rd., West Chester Township, OH 45069; St. Monica's Recreation Center, 10022 Chester Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45215; Lakota East PTSO (memo Judy Buckenmyer Memorial Fund) 6840 Lakota Lane, Liberty Township, OH 45044, or SPCA, 11900 Conrey Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249. Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.