Judie Ann Woods was born Judith Ann Welker on April 11, 1940, in Springfield, Illinois, to Charles William and Viola L. Gordon Welker. She grew up with her sister, Marilyn, and brothers, Ronald and Charles “Buddy,” in a family that shaped her deep faith, determination, and devotion to others.

At Feitshans High School, Judie participated in student council, a cappella choir, and the Madrigal Singers, and she played the accordion. She later graduated from St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing in Springfield. After graduation, she and a close-knit group of friends moved to Denver, Colorado, to begin their careers. Later in her career, Judie returned to Andrews Univ to obtain her BSN.

Judie later settled in the Dayton area and devoted most of her career to Miami Valley Hospital. She served for many years as operating room manager, earning respect for her clinical skill, steady leadership, commitment to patients, and unwavering support of her staff. Near the end of her career, she became nurse manager of the new emergency department at Miami Valley Hospital South and helped guide it through its opening.

Her greatest joy was her son, Randy, whom she welcomed in 1964.

A devoted Catholic and parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Centerville, Judie drew strength and comfort from her faith. She met life’s challenges head-on, sustained by determination, devotion to those she loved, and an unrelenting trust in God.

Judie’s beloved Bernese Mountain Dogs, Samantha and Mocha, were her constant companions and passion for the past 20 years. She also enjoyed testing new Southern Living recipes, often for the first time when cooking for a large gathering. In her mind, Judie remained a fierce pickleball competitor even when her body could no longer keep pace.

Judie will be remembered as a loving mother and mother-in-law, a gifted nurse, a respected leader, and a loyal friend. Her life was marked by service to her family, patients, colleagues, faith community, and cherished dogs.

Judie was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Viola Welker; her sister, Marilyn Welker Duncan; and her brothers, Ronald Welker and Charles “Buddy” Welker.

She is survived by her son, Randy Woods (Susan), and other beloved relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends on Monday, September 14 from 5:30-7:30pm at the Westbrock & Daniel Funeral Home, 5980 Bigger Rd., Kettering. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 6245 Wilmington Pike, Centerville, Ohio, at 10:30am on Tuesday, September 15.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Judie's memory to consider a memorial gift to the Judie Woods Nursing Scholarship at The Dayton Foundation, established in recognition of Judie's lifelong love and commitment to nursing education. Gifts may be made online at www.daytonfoundation.org/donate or mailed to The Dayton Foundation, 1401 S. Main Street, Suite 100, Dayton, Ohio 45409.

Judie’s family is deeply grateful to the many friends and neighbors whose kindness supported her over the years. The compassionate healthcare providers from Fidelity Health Care made it possible for her to remain safe in the home she loved. Ohio Hospice provided comfort to Judie and her extended family. A special thank-you goes to Molly and Joe, who are considered family, for their enduring friendship, devotion, and support.