Judith Dian Freson-Libs

January 18, 1942 – May 1, 2026

After a courageous journey with dementia, Judith Freson-Libs, 84 years old, peacefully passed away on May 1, 2026.

Judi was born on January 18, 1942 at St Mary’s Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. She was the younger of two children born to Lonnie Kavanaugh and Elsie Lee (Trusty) Bruce. Judi grew up in Evansville, Indiana and graduated from Bosse High School in 1960. She went on to attend the University of Evansville (UE), where she quickly became an active and enthusiastic member of campus life. Judi founded the Pep Club, served on the pom-pom squad, contributed to The Crescent student newspaper and the LinC Yearbook, and was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. Judi left UE for a period of time to move to Texas and began a family. In 1972, she and her family returned to Evansville, and she completed her BA in Education at UE in August 1976.

Judi worked for the YMCA from 1972 to 1983, first as the Coordinator of Women’s Fitness and later as Program Director and Public Relations Director. She was among the first women in the region to hold a leadership role within the organization. After leaving the YMCA, Judi held a variety of leadership roles in marketing and public relations throughout the tri-state area and across the country. Her positions included Director of the Institute for Fine and Performing Arts at UE (1986–1988), Corporate Marketing Director for Royal Mansion Resort in Cape Canaveral, FL (1988–1989), Director of Marketing, Communication, and Sales for Transit Media in Evansville (1990–1998), and Development Director for SWIRCA in Evansville (2004–2012). Judi loved her work and was often described as confident, passionate, innovative, energetic, intelligent, and resourceful. Her creativity showed in many ways—she developed cutting edge fitness programs such as the annual Women’s Fitness Camp and frequently served as a keynote speaker for community events during her years at the YMCA. She later introduced the illustrated bus to the tri-state area while at Transit Media, coordinated SWIRCA’s annual auction and fundraiser, and helped launch Brewfest in Evansville. Throughout her career, she continually sought new and imaginative ways to build partnerships with corporations across the region, expand awareness of community resources, and support people in need.

Judi’s personality was passionate, tenacious, and caring. She had many interests in her life including exercise/fitness, nutrition, travel, sports, stamp/coin collection, and high energy activities. It wasn’t uncommon to hear stories when she returned from trips of scuba diving in the Caribbean and Hawaii, bungee jumping in Australia, skydiving, snowmobiling, riding horses, and enjoying the many activities in Amsterdam.

Later in life, Judi began having challenges with progressive memory loss. For her family and friends, saying goodbye to Judi was not a single moment but a journey that unfolded over many years. They cherished every spark of recognition, a squeeze of their hand, a familiar smile, and the twinkle in Judi’s eyes when she teased them. Even in her final days, Judi reached for the hands of her children and grandchildren and found comfort in the sight of flowers. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Primrose of Newburgh and Senior Helpers, whose compassion and dedication made Judi’s final years as comfortable and joyful as possible.

Judi was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Libs (2025); her mother (1982); her father (1983), and her sister, Martha DeGroote (2009). She is survived by her children Ronald J. Freson Jr. (Ria), Timothy Freson (Leighton Yuen), Emilee A. Moore (Jerry), and Andrew J. Freson (Tami); eight grandchildren(Zoe Freson, Jesse Freson, Nathaniel Freson, Joshua Freson, Kade Hille (Madison), Paige Hille, Tyler Freson, Cole Freson); three step grandchildren (Alex Moore, Elizabeth Moore, Logan Moore); and one great grandchild (Emma Rayne Freson).

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday May 13, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Alexander Funeral Home in Newburgh, Indiana. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to service time at the funeral home. Entombment will be at Park Lawn Cemetery in the Patrician Chapel immediately after the celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in her name to the University of Evansville or to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

Condolences may be made online at AlexanderNewburghChapel.com.