Judith Elizabeth "Judy" Thompson , 86, of rural South Whitley, passed away peacefully in the company of family at 5:11 p.m. Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.

Born on July 21, 1939, in Whitley County, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late Paul and Sarah (Steele) Reimer.  Growing up in Washington Twp., she completed Washington Center School and graduated from Columbia City High School in 1958.

On December 15, 1958, she married Paul L. Thompson.  They made their first home in Laud, then moved to rural South Whitley, where they raised four children.  Paul died on December 25, 2013.

A full-time homemaker, Judy was always active, caring for her children, maintaining the household, or working in the garden and canning the produce for use throughout the year.  In her younger years, she was a skilled softball player.  She later turned to bowling.  When the grandkids came along, they became her focus and joy.

A faithful member of the Eberhard Lutheran Church, she grew up in the church, becoming such a long-term member that it became "her" church.  She would read the scripture readings at most Sunday services.  She belonged to the VFW Post 5582 in Columbia City, where she enjoyed playing BINGO. Due to her outstanding service to the organization, she was awarded a lifetime membership to American Legion Post 98, Columbia City.  She enjoyed fishing, taking an annual trip with her sons to Shakamak State Park.

Surviving are her children, Edward (Betsy) Thompson of Mt Pleasant, TN, Jeffrey (Julie "Jules") Thompson of South Whitley, and Ernest (Dana) Thompson of Columbia City, 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a sister, Patricia Hartman and her beloved cats, Blossom and Beanie.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Paula Thompson; brothers, Richard, Paul, Jr., Fred, Frank, Brice, Price, Delmar, Louis, William, and Larry Reimer; and a sister, Betty Treece.

The funeral service is 2 p.m. Wednesday (Sept 10th) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Burial is beside her husband at the South Whitley Cemetery.  Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday (Sept. 9th) at the funeral home.

Memorials in Judy's honor are to the Eberhard Lutheran Church.