Judy Stevens passed away at Berger Hospital on Dec. 31, 2016, after a long battle with lung cancer that had metastasized to her bones and brain.
Judy was born in Laurelville on Oct. 7, 1956, to Jesse Earl Knece and Betty Stump Knece.
In addition to her father, Judy was predeceased by both maternal and paternal grandparents; daughter, Tracy Marie Stevens; brother, Carl Knece; sisters, Pamela and Phyllis Knece; brothers-in-law, Gene R. Stevens, Glen E. Stevens and Ronnie Hinton.
Judy is survived by her mother; husband of 40 years, David H. Stevens; son, Ryan D.H. Stevens; daughter, Tara Nicole Stevens; grandson, Brandon A.T. Stevens; sisters, Donna (Max) Raines, Sheila (Ronnie, deceased) Hinton, Helen (Marshall) Roth and Dema (Ron) Morgan; brother, David Knece; sisters-in-law, Betty (Gene R., deceased) Stevens and Helen (Clyde) Fausnaugh; and special cousin and best friend, Robin Beaver.
Judy attended Laurelville Elementary school and Lancaster Junior High and High School. She graduated from DuPont High School in Rand, West Virginia, and attended classes at West Virginia State College.
While living in Charleston, West Virginia, Judy worked for the state government. After moving back to Ohio, Judy worked at Big Bear Grocery, Wynn Molded Plastics and Distribution Fulfillment Services. Judy retired from outside work in 1997 to become a full-time homemaker.
Judy was a devoted fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes football and the Cincinnati Bengals. Judy loved all animals. During her lifetime she had countless cats, several dogs, rabbits, ducks and chickens. Her pets provided some measure of comfort during her final days.
A special thanks goes out to Berger Hospice (especially Dr. Bohlen and Kim Graffis) and the third floor nursing staff at Berger Hospital for making her final hours as comfortable as possible.
Honoring Judy’s wishes, there will be no final viewing or services held. Judy will be cremated, and arrangements have been entrusted to Defenbaugh-Wise-Schoedinger Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wright-Poling Pickaway County Dog Shelter or the American Cancer Society.
Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share a condolence or memory with Judy’s family.
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
