Judith A. Keister, 68, of Piqua, Ohio, passed away Monday, August 4, 2025, at Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County. She was born September 6,1956, in Troy, Ohio, to the late George Hartzell and Lois (Johnson) Hartzell. She married the love of her life Ronald Keister on March 18,1972 in Piqua; Ohio and he preceded her in death on January 6,2011.
Judy will be forever missed and remembered by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her three daughters and son in law’s: Julie (Danny) Gregory, Piqua, OH; Jennifer Keister, Piqua, OH; and Rhonda (Chad) Barr, Piqua, OH; two brothers and sister in law’s: Mike (Diane) Hartzell, Danville, OH; Gary (Sherry) Hartzell, Fletcher, OH; one sister: Joyce Smith, Piqua, OH; and four grandchildren: Britny (Dylan) Spaugy, Megan Gregory, Katelyn Lear, Ryan Barr and two great grandchildren: Allison Spaugy and Colton Spaugy. She was preceded in death by one sister: Janet Hughes.
Judy attended Piqua Central High School and obtained her GED in 1996, which was a proud accomplishment for her. She spent her years as a homemaker and babysat many children throughout the years. She greatly enjoyed time sitting on the porch and watching the hummingbirds. She also enjoyed Dirt Racing and putting puzzles together. Her greatest love was spending time with her family and loved ones, and she treasured the memories of trips to Gatlinburg, Tennessee with her siblings.
A Celebration of Judy’s Life will be held at 10:30am on Saturday August 9,2025, at Melcher-Sowers Funeral Home in Piqua, Ohio with Pastor Mike Unger officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, in Piqua, OH. The family will receive friends on Friday August 8,2025, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the funeral home.
Memorial Contributions may be made in honor of Judy to: Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County 3230 N County Rd 25A, Troy, OH 45373.
Condolences and Special Memories may be left for the family online at www.melcher-sowers.com.