Judy Diane Cunningham
WARSAW – October 30, 2017: On this blessed day, our Lord has called Judy Diane Cunningham home.
Judy is the daughter of the late Emmet K. and Florence (Bender) Shaw of Coshocton. She was born on April 21, 1942, the fifth of eleven children. Judy was a graduate of Roscoe High School, Class of 1960.
On August 26, 1960 Judy married James E. Cunningham. Their life together was built on a foundation of kindness, caring, passion and purpose, mutual respect, and above all unconditional love. Their life’s work included successfully rearing six children, and owning and operating a dairy farm among the hills and dales that lie along State Route 60 between Tunnel Hill and Cooperdale.
Judy served as a role model for her children. She challenged them to follow the principled lifestyle of servitude and charity which she so strongly upheld and practiced. Throughout her life Judy volunteered in the community. She served as 4-H Advisor, Cub Scout Den Mother, Emergency Medical Technician, and was on committees too numerous to mention. Her charitable giving was directed towards the wellbeing of children and she generously donated to cancer research at Children’s Hospital. Judy baked hundreds of coveted pecan pies for community fund raisers and charitable events.
Judy is remembered for her remarkable smile. She always had a smile for strangers and for those who appeared to be having a bad day. Through the toughest times and under the most difficult circumstances her smile would persevere; reassuring everyone present that “we’ll be fine”. She opened her heart and door to those in need, and could cook for an army at the drop of a hat.
Judy was an avid reader and loved music. She would whistle endlessly while she attentively made a home for her family. The love and laughter of children made her happy. She took the time to answer their questions, encouraged them to explore and grow, and would wipe away tears and give much needed hugs. Her voice was mesmerizing when she read; children and adults alike would stop and listen whether she was reading to a group at Vacation Bible School or in the living room at home.
Judy is deeply missed by her husband, Jim; daughters Kristie Vickers (Westerville, OH) and Jamie (Mark) Donaker, and sons Jeff (Kat), Brad, Todd, and Chad Cunningham (all of Warsaw); Eighteen Grandchildren, Twenty-six Great-Grandchildren, siblings; Larry (Julia) Shaw, Rhea (Jack Olinger) Hampton, Jim (Karen) Shaw, Ed (Peggy) Shaw, Kevin Shaw, and a multitude of nieces, and nephews.
Among the many greeting her in Heaven are her parents, siblings; Sandra Shaw, Gary Shaw, Linda Shaw, Sue (Robert) McNichols, Darlene (Leonard) Cognion, and great-nephew Randall Wills.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017 at the Fischer Funeral Home in Warsaw where a service celebrating Judy’s life will begin at 12:00 Noon with Pastor David Fowls officiating. A private burial will take place at the Valley View Cemetery at Warsaw. www.fischerfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers Judy’s family asks that you hug a loved one, encourage a child, and take a moment to count your blessings.
Memorial contributions to honor the life of Judy may be made to Community Hospice PO Box 1620 Coshocton, OH 43812.
Category: Obituaries
