Julia Shade Obituary

     Julia (Judy) Anne Shade, age 96, passed away peacefully at home on March 21, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Judy was born on June 7, 1927, to the late Roy Ferguson and Myrtle Davis.In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sisters, Ruth Shiman, Dorothy (Mel) Litke and Betty (Charles) Banning.

     Judy graduated from East High School in 1945 and attended Capital University to study nursing, later changing her major to elementary education.  There she met the love of her life Gene Shade, and they married on December 26, 1948. Judy left college to raise her three children. Active in her children's lives, she served as PTA president, led a Girl Scout troop, and attended all their music, athletic and theater programs.  She volunteered her sewing talents at their schools when needed and served as a room mother helping in any way she could.  

     Judy continued her education after her youngest child started school, earning a Bachelor's of Education from Capital University in 1967.  She taught 5th grade for 27 years at Etna Road Elementary in the Whitehall City School District. During this time she received her Masters in Education from The Ohio State University.  She made a positive difference in many students lives and was named the WEA Educator of the year for the 1990-1991 school year.  In 2019 Judy received a Community Service Award at the Whitehall Education Foundation's Annual Celebration.

     Judy was a faithful member of Broad Street Christian Church serving as a Deacon and Elder, singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school. After Broad Street's closing she attended Gender Road Christian Church where she continued to serve as an Elder, sing in the choir, teach adult Sunday school and be active in her Circle.  After her retirement, Judy stayed busy.  She was a volunteer at Mt. Carmel East Hospital in Outpatient Surgery, she volunteered at Dodge Community Center and she worked at Hancock fabric until the store closed. Her coworkers became dear friends with whom she shared lunch once a month after the store's closing. Judy loved to travel, especially family trips to Nags Head with an occasional stop in Williamsburg. She loved her indoor cats and  those from outside who stopped by for a meal. Judy loved flowers and working in her yard.  She was adventurous, even white water rafting in her 60's and taking an unexpected dip in the water. She supported her grandchildren in all of their endeavors, from music to theater to sports.

Judy (with her husband Gene and solo after his death) was the greatest fan of Gahanna baseball and the coach, her son Mike. (The unofficial scorekeeper of the games, she often answered "What's the score?" or "What's the count?" or "How many outs, Judy?" coming from the

spectators.)

     Judy will be remembered by those who knew her as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She had a loving heart and was a faithful servant to her God. She will be missed but we rejoice that she is reunited with Gene and other loved ones who have gone before her.  Judy is survived by her children, Stephanie Shilling (WYHS1967), Theresa (Joe) Kenneth (WYHS 1970), Michael (Cathi) Shade (WYHS 1975); her grandchildren, Jennifer (Sean) Stauffer, Christopher (Stacey) Shilling, Jeremy Shilling, Julie Shilling, Timothy (Samantha) Shade and Emily Shade (Brandon Kelly); her great-grandchildren, Braden Fout, Payton (Austin) Duckworth, Tatum Stauffer; as well as nieces and nephews and life long friends.

     Friends may call Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at O R WOODYARD COMPANY SOUTH CHAPEL, 1346 S. High Street, from 5-8 pm and Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Gender Road Christian Church from 10-11 am, where her service will be held at 11 am, Pastor John Romig officiating.

     The family suggests donations to Gender Road Christian Church in Julia's memory.  Special thanks to the medical professionals at Mt. Carmel East Hospital, National Church Residences and BrightStar Home Healthcare Service for the exceptional loving care they gave our mother, and Darrell and Brianna from DEH Investments LLC for their respectful professional transport of our mother from her home to O R WOODYARD COMPANY FUNERAL HOME.

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