Judy Kay Martling

Born on February 19, 1943, in Circleville, Ohio, Judy was the beloved daughter of Jim and Ann “Nanny” Callihan. She graduated from Grandview Heights High School and dedicated her life to caring for others through her family, her work, and her service to the community.

In honor of her lifelong impact on her community, February 19 was officially proclaimed Judy Martling Day, a tribute that reflected the love, respect, and admiration she earned throughout her life.

For more than 30 years, Judy lovingly cared for countless children as a babysitter, becoming a trusted and cherished presence in the lives of many families. Her commitment to helping others extended far beyond her work. She volunteered at Riverside Hospital and local food banks and served as a military family support group leader, providing comfort and support to family members of deployed service members. In recognition of her dedication and service, Judy was awarded the Ohio Commendation Medal for her support of the deployment of the 135th Military Police Company to Iraq. She also proudly served as a crossing guard for the Grandview community, where her warm smile and caring spirit became familiar to generations of local families.

Judy’s greatest accomplishment was her family. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Michael Martling, her partner in life since 1963. Together they shared more than six decades of love, friendship, laughter, and unwavering devotion to one another.

She was a devoted mother to Matt Martling, Megan Green (Sean Green), and Molly Tartaglia (Louie Tartaglia). Nothing brought Judy greater joy than being a “Biddie” to Addison and Parker Green, Nicholas and Conor Martling, and Scotland and Raphael Tartaglia. She treasured every moment spent with them and was endlessly proud of each one.

Judy was also a beloved sister to Janice Roberts and Jim Callihan. She adored her nieces and nephews and treasured the special bond she shared with each of them. Family was always at the heart of Judy’s life, and she took great pride in maintaining close relationships with those she loved.

An animal lover through and through, Judy found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed candy, sharing meals with family and friends, sitting on her porch in the warmth, cooking, planting flowers, and spending time with the people she loved most. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and welcome.

Known for her extraordinary kindness and selflessness, Judy had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel important. She never met a stranger and had a way of putting people at ease from the moment they met her. Her sense of humor was legendary among family and friends, and her laughter could brighten even the most difficult days.

One of Judy’s favorite traditions was attending major annual events, and she was thrilled to be able to attend both the Indianapolis 500 and the Kentucky Derby.

Judy’s legacy is one of compassion, generosity, humor, and unconditional love. She lived her life serving others, asking for little in return, and making the world brighter for everyone fortunate enough to know her. Though her family and friends will miss her deeply, they find comfort in the countless memories she created and the enduring example of kindness she leaves behind.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Ann “Nanny” Callihan, and her brother-in-law, Mic Roberts.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a favorite charity in Judy’s memory. Supporting others was one of her greatest joys, and this tribute reflects the kindness and compassion that defined her life.