Georgianna I. “Judy” McCargish, age 85, of Dayton, passed away Saturday, August 15, 2026. Judy was preceded in death by her husband, George, in 2021. She is survived by her loving daughters and sons-in-law, Kris (Don) Thrasher and Mary (Duke) Wildermuth, and two grandchildren who were like sons to her, Josh Thrasher and Michael Wildermuth. 

Judy would often say, “Family is Everything.” But to Judy, family wasn’t just about the blood in your veins. She treated friends, neighbors, and even strangers with the same care and compassion she showed to her closest relatives. Throughout her life, Judy often opened her doors to family and friends who needed a place to stay for a while. She had a way of making people feel welcome, cared for, and at home.

When it came to hobbies, it seemed like Judy had tried them all: card games, bowling, crocheting, latchwork, fishing, walking, reading, sewing, and crafts too numerous to mention. Her latest interest was diamond art. After being introduced to it by her niece, Paula Kinzer, Judy spent her last months happily completing picture after picture—and sometimes even butterflies on a stick!

Judy also lived for her weekly card games with her cousin Brenda Drake and her friend Cathy Leedom, as well as monthly card games with Brenda and their friends Linda Fischback, Melissa Gibson, Diana Hersman and Pattie Wikle.Those games were more than just a pastime; they were time spent laughing, visiting, and enjoying the people she loved. Every week, she looked forward to having lunch with Josh and sharing stories of her life. Judy kept in touch with family outside of Ohio, corresponding regularly with her sisters-in-law (but really sisters), Jeannie Calhoun and Carol Chamberlain. She got so much joy picking out just the right card and she read each one she received with care and thankfulness.

Judy loved traveling and sightseeing. Some of her happiest times were spent cruising with her husband and friends, Bonnie and Ronny Sword. She also loved the lakes and ponds of Hocking Hills, where she made many special memories on vacations with Mary, Duke, and Michael.

After surviving two heart attacks, Judy found a new home at 10 Wilmington Place. She quickly became an integral part of the assisted living community, joining in cooking classes, giant bowling, cornhole, tending a flower bed with Kris and her favorite activity of all—ax throwing. Judy continued to find ways to have fun, make friends, and enjoy life wherever she was.

There isn’t enough room here to talk about all that Judy meant to so many people, all of the wonderful things she did, or all of the lives she touched with her love and support. She was a woman who believed that family was everything—and she had a remarkable way of making many people feel like family. Judy was truly a special person. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The family will receive friends Saturday, September 12, at Westbrock Funeral Home in Kettering from 1:00–2:00 p.m., followed by a service at 2:00 p.m., with Reverend Joe Getts officiating.

Arrangements in care of the Westbrock Funeral Home - Kettering.