Judith D. King had a lifelong love of horses that she passed on to her two children and later her granddaughter.
She got her first horse at the age of 5, and as a teenager took part every year in the Montauk cattle drive. She would go on to participate in countless horse shows and competitions as a western rider, and to eventually teach her granddaughter, Nina King, all about horse care and competition.
Mrs. King died on Feb. 4. She was 80 and had cancer.
She lived in Montauk her entire life, and many people knew her from Gosman’s Restaurant, where she worked as a waitress for more than 30 years. She was a member of the Montauk Community Church and sang with its choir, and had a “lasting love of nature,” her family said, especially gardening and animals.
Born on March 25, 1944, to Knowles Smith Jr. and the former Constance Andersen, she graduated from East Hampton High School in 1962. She married Wendell King, who survives. Their two children, Dolores King of South Carolina and Richard King of Montauk, also survive, as do Nina King and another grandchild, Nolan King, both of Montauk. She leaves a sister, Connie Keller, also of Montauk, a niece, a nephew, and two grand-nephews.
A funeral was held at the Montauk Community Church on Feb. 8, with the Rev. Bill Hoffmann officiating.
Her family has suggested memorial contributions to the Montauk Fire Department, 12 Flamingo Avenue, Montauk 11954.
