Judi Ann Tinnin

Judi Ann Tinnin was the kind of person who made life a little better just by being in it. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and a friend to just about everyone fortunate enough to cross her path. She had a fiercely loyal heart, a ready smile, and a way of making people feel welcome. Being around her was easy. Being loved by her was a gift.

If a person's legacy is measured by the lives they touched, Judi leaves behind a remarkable one. Her greatest accomplishments were her family: Rocke Tinnin and his wife Deborah, along with Tyler, Colby, and Caleb; Geri Sue Tinnin; Rusty Tinnin and his wife Ashley, with RustiAnn, Rusty Dan, and stepson Chase; Ricky Tinnin and his children Rebecca and Sarah; and four great-grandchildren who will carry a piece of her forward.

Those of us left behind will miss her deeply, but we'll also smile when we think of her. The stories, the laughter, the loyalty, and the memories are hers to leave and ours to keep.

And while it's a sad day for those of us still here, it's hard not to imagine the joy on the other side. Somewhere beyond our sight, Judi is catching up with Margaret, Arthur, Fran, Geri, Jimmy, James Nyegaard, and Sue. After all, some reunions are worth waiting for.

For Judi, this was not goodbye. It was a glad reunion day.