Judy Darlene Ellis

Our sweet little momma, Judy Darlene Ellis, went to heaven after a strong battle with dementia on October 23, 2025. It is comforting to know there were so many family and friends already there to greet her with open arms.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, John Ellis (2012); her ex-husband and our dad, Joe Umscheid (2007); her mother, Ruth Bodenhammer; her brother, David Bruce and her sister Peggy Tatka.

Judy was a believer, a giver, and a doer. She loved life and she loved her family more. She baked cookies, loved gardening, and adored the color purple. She wore pink lipstick and never left the house without earrings. Judy decorated for every holiday, had a passion for history, and enjoyed long car rides to nowhere. She cheered for the Royals and she cheered for her grandchildren.

She was a bowler and a beautiful seamstress — she made pajamas for Christmas, her daughters' bridesmaid dresses and her sister's wedding dress. She laughingly measured her grandkids growth by standing butt to butt with them. She loved ice cream, watching the fall leaves change colors and doing sudoku puzzles. She enjoyed an occasional margarita.

She had a huge heart for service and was a dedicated member of Englewood Baptist Church for more than 40 years. She served on countless committees, went on mission trips and hosted backyard bible school. She worked tirelessly in the food pantry and with Harvesters. She picked up and delivered meals to Synergy and cooked warm food for the homeless. She threw baby showers, taught Sunday school and sang in the choir.

She extended kindness and community to everyone around her. If you knew her, she loved you - whether she had seen you recently or not. She thought of you, and she talked about you. She was a woman of grace and never had an unkind word to say about anyone.

But above all, our mom loved her family, and she was proud of us.

She leaves behind her two grateful daughters, Sheri Bowers (Brad) and Shannon Murphy (James); grandchildren Sam, Logan, Dalton, Mason, Peyton, and Jaxson; her loving companion of 11 years, Dennis Shreve; her best friend and sister, Jill McFarland; three bonus children, Mike, Steve, and Sara; and 14 additional beloved grandchildren.

A visitation and celebration of Judy’s life will be held at White Chapel Funeral Home on November 22nd. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a short service at 2:00 p.m.

After the service, please join us at Antioch Bar and Grill to share stories and celebrate Judy’s beautiful life. *If you would like to donate in her name, we suggest Harvesters*

Though she be little, she was fierce