Wilma Jean Judd

Wilma “Billie” Jean Judd, 73, formerly of Rochester, Ind., died of natural causes in Miller’s Merry Manor, Plymouth, where she had been a resident for nearly 30 years, following an illness in 1974.

Wilma was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 4, 1932, and raised the daughter of Kenneth L. and Virginia L. Benz Staley. She graduated from Cincinnati High School in 1950.

When she lived in Rochester she worked as a bookkeeper for the Shultz Brothers dime store for four years.

She was first married to Francis M. Smith. After his death, she married Theodore Judd.

Wilma was a member of St. Joseph Catholic church in Rochester and enjoyed her association with St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Plymouth. She was very active in the VFW Post 1343 in Rochester and served as president of both the local auxiliary and the 2nd District Auxiliary.

One of her favorite pastimes was working cross word puzzles.

Wilma is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law. They are Teri and Chris Sarna, Plymouth, and Maggi and Fred Belcastro, The Colony, Texas.

Five grandchildren also survive their grandmother’s death. They are: Tia (Trevor) Heishman, Deedsville, Ind.; Matthew and Diane Sarna, Plymouth, Ind.; Amanda Belcastro, Burleson, Texas and Tim Smith, Rochester, Ind.

Two great-grandchildren, Avery and Kaden Heishman, Deedsville, Ind., survive as well.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, her spouses, a son, Gary Smith and two step-children, Mike Judd and Cathy Hilton. A grandson and a great-grandson also died before her.

Friends will be welcomed by the family at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, Ind., on Thursday, December 22, 2005, from 5 to 7 p.m.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, following visitation, at 7 p.m. The Rev. Father William Kummer will officiate.

Cremation will take place and interment will be at a later date.

Memorial gifts in Wilma’s memory may be made to St. Michael’s or St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church.