Judy Starr Confer

Mary “Judy” Starr Confer, 74, died Friday, Oct. 10, under hospice care in Scottsdale.

Judy’s 10-year tenure as executive director of the L. Alan Cruikshank River of Time Museum resulted in the museum receiving its “certified museum status,” just nine months after it opened. Certification general takes up to five years.

She and her long-time partner Stephen Busker moved to Fountain Hills in 1989. After moving here, her interest in history and design prompted her to join the Fountain Hills & Lower Verde Valley Historical Society. She served three terms on the board and was most active with the Museum Design Committee.

Judy was born May 15, 1940, in Decatur, Ill. An interior designer by trade, she is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She also attended classes at the University of Madrid.

She was predeceased by her brother Fred. Survivors include Steve Busker, sons Scott Confer and Christopher Confer, five grandchildren, her sister Betty Herren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life tentatively is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the River of Time Museum. The service is expected to start at 5:30 p.m.