Judy Lee Ditmarsen

Judy Lee (Smith) Ditmarsen went to be with her Lord and Savior peacefully on December 27, 2024 at the age of 76. She passed on 5 days after her beloved husband Roger to whom she was married for 54 years.

Judy was born in Cleveland, OH and grew up in Cleveland Heights. She attended Noble Elementary school, Monticello Junit HIgh graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 1966. She began her career in the insurance agency. Once Judy married and had children she took time off to be a stay at home Mom and worked many part time jobs so she could have time for her family. She eventually found her way to Progressive and worked as an assistant underwriter for over 20 years. She retired then and was grateful for more time to travel which she loved. Judy traveled on many adventures including trips to Alaska, Rome, the Bahamas, Peru, shopping road trips with her daughters, and many other cruises.

Judy was actively involved in her local church, teaching toddler Sunday School and then co- teaching young boys as a Royal Ranger Leader for at least 15 years. She always found ways to contribute to church. Her cookies and desserts were sought after at many church functions. Judy was a huge supporter of missions, even serving on a church missions committee. She was always giving to a cause, her church, or a needy family. She loved cooking large holiday meals and inviting people over who had no place to go. She had a way of making people feel special.

Judy loved nothing more than being a Grandma to her three grandchildren. She would tell the very best & most creative bedtime stories. She shared her love of baking cookies, playing card games, and traveling with her grandkids. She was very generous and always wanted to bless her grandkids. She also shared her love for Jesus with them.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents Carl John and Margaret Smith, brothers Richard Smith, Paul Smith, John Smith and beloved grandson Oliver Barravechia.

Judy is survived by her loving daughters Sandy Ditmarsen and Sara Barravechia (Bob) and grandchildren Beck and Abi.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff and caregivers at Brookdale Senior Living Wickliffe and the Hospice staff at CareTenders Hospice. We would especially like to thank her hospice nurse Ca’cy for the joy & love she brought each visit. We sincerely appreciate the whole team’s care and compassion they showed our loved one in her final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for both Roger and Judy Saturday January 18th at Lakeshore Assembly of God Church 8880 Lakeshore Blvd. Mentor OH 44060. Visitation with the family begins at 10am, service at 11am, & meal following.

The family is requesting attendees to wear red for Judy and green/blue or other bright colors for Roger.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in their honor to CareTenders Hospice or Lakeshore Assembly of God Missions Department.