Judy A. Stephens

September 22, 1950 - April 4, 2020

A service to celebrate Judy’s life will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday (August 22, 2020) at Sonlight Wesleyan Church with Rev. Lyle Breeding officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family for one hour prior to the service. The safety of the family and all visitors is our utmost priority. For everyone’s safety, we ask that you practice social distancing. Masks are required for visitation and for Judy’s service at the church. We appreciate your cooperation and patience. Judy Ann Stephens, 69, of Fort Wayne, went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, April 4, 2020 at Christian Care Retirement Home in Bluffton after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born on September 22, 1950, in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Paul W. & Muriel O. Eley. Judy graduated from Centreville High School, Michigan, in 1970. Judy was a hard worker, and held many jobs throughout her life, never failing to provide for her family. Her most enjoyable labors were spent caring for others, whether in paid positions, volunteering, or simply spending time with friends and family, which often included her kids and grandchildren. Judy gave her life to Jesus at an early age, and walked faithfully with Him all the years of her life. Judy was a tremendous blessing to all who knew her, and brightened the days of all who came in contact with her. She will be deeply missed for her warm smile, jovial laugh, incredible culinary skills, playful attitude towards life, and her caring and thoughtful demeanor. Judy married the love of her life, her husband Thomas Stephens on November 16, 1997 In Wabash, Indiana. He survives. She is also survived by her four children, son Chad Cochran, of New York; daughter Elizabeth (Timothy) Bork, of West Chester, Ohio; son Joshua Cochran, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and daughter Jennifer (Lane) Sander, of Bluffton, Indiana. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Alanis Fry and Auden, Winston, and Maverick Sander. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister, Christine Bye. A service to celebrate Judy’s life will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday (August 22, 2020) at Sonlight Wesleyan Church with Rev. Lyle Breeding officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family for one hour prior to the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home, of Bluffton. Friends can send online condolences to the family at www.thomarich.com.