In loving memory of our mother, Kathleen "Judy" Sheetz, who passed away on Thursday, June 02, 2022.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

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Judy was born on September 19th, 1944 in Baltimore, MD to Lloyd and Daphne Lee. She was the 4th child of what would be eleven children. Growing up in a large family helped to shape her core strengths and values, most of which was "Family First". If you were blessed to know her, you know already that Judy treated everyone like family.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, two of her brothers (Lloyd Lee, Jr & Fredrick Lee), and her daughter (Tracy Lynn Sheetz). Judy is survived by her son, Steven Chalkley Sheetz (Tammy), her daughter Diane Marie Sheetz, her grandchildren (Taylor Elise Collins, Reagan Shea Dykstra, Logan Danielle Sheetz, and Wilder Dylan Sheetz-Buckley). Judy is also survived by her siblings  Pat Martens, Linda Sheets, Mary Lee (Terry Felton), Dinah Rupert (Nick), Nancy McHenry (Jack), Barbara Pessell, Betty Schlabach (Bruce), Danny Lee. Judy is also survived by the father of her children, Steven Heckert Sheetz (Donna), as well as her brother-in-law Jeffrey Sheetz (Sharon) and her sister-in-law-forever, Julie Sheetz, beloved nieces and nephews, and her best friend Karen Matlack (Chalkley).

One of the kindest souls on this planet, Judy never met a stranger. She was forever curious and genuinely interested in learning about others. She made friends in every shopping line, she got to know the cashiers, and helped strangers in parking lots. Judy was inviting. She never wanted anyone to feel left out. Judy welcomed all into her beautiful Victorian home for her famous "Big Butt Breakfasts" complete with sausage gravy and biscuits, and lemon meringue pie (if you were lucky!). No one ever left her house on an empty stomach. If she really liked you, you would leave with some of her famous grape butter. 

Judy loved to work. Half-done was just begun, and she was too vigilant to do anything half-assed. Judy planned to retire at 60, then 65, then at 70. She loved her clients, and she was good at her job. After nearly 40 years in the insurance industry, Judy retired (finally) at the age of 76. 

Judy loved traditions, such as "Back Porch Pictures" and "Sister's Weekends". She collected antiques, bells (for when angel's get their wings), house figurines, birdhouses, and items with birds on them (and, yes, she loved the Portlandia sketch, "Put a bird on it!"). Most of all, Judy collected "memories worth keeping", preserved in her writings and photographs. She loved to laugh, she loved to dance, and she loved nature.

Judy was fiercely generous in every way. She supported all whom she loved enthusiastically, with a joy-filled heart. She championed each of us at every bend in life, and was our ultimate cheerleader. And, when times were hard, Judy was indeed a bridge over troubled water.  In her own life, she faced every challenge with admirable strength and courage. She remained optimistic and had a can-do attitude.

Judy was a woman of strong faith and she taught us the importance of family, hard work and doing what is right. Judy was not a stranger to tragedy, but her spirit was never broken. By the Grace of God, she remained a light in the world. Judy was a true role model who we will always look up to. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Saturday, June 18th at 11:30am. A service will be held in the sanctuary with a reception to follow, where we look forward to sharing stories, memories, songs and more. Flowers are welcome, or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oxford Neighborhood Services Center. 

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In keeping with Judy's generous spirit, her body was donated to the Anatomy Gifts Registry to teach our future medical professionals. 

Her light will continue to be our lighthouse, always with us, guiding us home. 

Her Love will live on in and around us in all things beautiful, reminding us to stay curious and make the most out of each day.

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