Linda Lee Judy

Linda Lee (Smith) Judy, 88, of Ellenton, FL passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026. Born on September 17, 1937 in East Liverpool, OH to Margaret Jean (Shaw) Smith and Lester William Smith. Linda is survived by her husband, Richard Keith Judy of Ellenton, FL [formerly of Chester, West Virginia], siblings Dennis Lester Smith and Susie Smith Judge of East Liverpool, OH, her sons Richard Dennis Judy and spouse Lisa of Palmetto, FL and Timothy Sean Judy and spouse Tracy of Parrish FL, her grandchildren, Nicole Lynn Carter and spouse Phillip of Parrish FL, Zachary Sean Judy of Tampa, FL and Rachel Anne Skelton and spouse Michael of Palmetto, FL, also her great-grandchildren Riley, Mason and Sophie Carter of Parrish, FL, and Cooper and Tucker Skelton of Palmetto, FL.

Growing up in East Liverpool, OH, alongside her brother Denny and sister Susie, Linda spent her youth with close friends and neighbors and maintained a close and loving relationship with her grandparents Beatrice Gay (Gilmore) Dornan and her husband Chester, Emily Reeves and her husband Wilfred and her Great Aunt Daisy Gilmore.

She graduated with honors from East Liverpool High School in 1955, then attended classes at Youngstown University in Youngstown, OH. After completing her studies at the University in 1957, Linda worked as a Secretary for Frank and Sons/Kaleel Brothers, then for Treadwell Construction, and later for Patterson Foundry until 1959. That is when she met her husband, Richard (Dick) Judy in 1959 at the local bowling alley. They married in 1960, and shortly after, they relocated to Miami, FL in 1961. There the couple raised their sons Richard and Timothy Judy where they enjoyed many happy years together. During her time in Miami Linda continued her work as a secretary and bookkeeper for Henry Lee, cultivated many friendships and enjoyed various hobbies. She loved playing softball and tennis. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, sudoku, crafting, painting and watching Jeopardy. We always told her that she would win 1st place if she signed up to be a contestant. Her intelligence was yet another one of her admirable qualities. One of her all-time favorite vacation destinations was Biloxi, MS. Dick and Linda proudly claimed they had visited Biloxi a whopping total of 88 times! She really knew how to have fun! She also enjoyed reading -- her go-to genres were political thrillers and action/dramas. Her favorite authors were John Grisham, Michael Connelly, Agatha Christie, and James Patterson.

In 1987 Linda and her husband Dick relocated to Parrish, FL to be closer to family. While in Parrish, Linda continued to enjoy her hobbies; however, she threw herself into the role of a grandmother. Linda and her husband were there for every birthday, holiday, school event, graduation, wedding, baby shower, and beyond. Her presence was constant, and her absence will be greatly missed. She once said that she wished she knew her purpose in life. We all know that her purpose in life was to be a loving wife, mother, sister, friend, grandmother and great grandmother. We all feel so lucky to have known her and to have experienced life with her and her love. Linda was cherished by all who knew her and her beautiful spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved her.

“How lucky [we are] to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard”

-A.A. Milne