Judy L. Betts

Judy L. Betts, age 63, passed away February 11, 2022 at Grant Medical Center, surrounded by family. Judy was born on June 8,1958 to Ronald and Betty Grove in Columbus, Ohio. During her career she lived in Chicago and Virginia, where she loved to have her parents and family visit. When Judy returned to Columbus, Ohio she would open her home to everyone.

Judy had many talents including baking, flower arranging, and cooking. She found great joy in hosting friends, family, and co-workers for holidays and celebrations. Through these events Judy would introduce new foods and recipes to her friends and family. Christmas was one of her favorite holidays; she enjoyed putting up her tree and decorating her house. Judy hosted parties with her nieces and nephews over the holidays, always sure to include favorite snacks such as ham roll-ups (think pinwheel with ham and cream cheese). Her nieces and nephews would also visit Judy in Chicago where she would take them to Ed Debevic's, the Nike Store, and Navy Pier. She was another parent to many of them and doted on them as if they were her own children.

Judy was a world traveler and often took trips with friends and family. She took special trips to Chicago, Napa Valley, and Cancun with her older sister Cheryl (Sis). One of her favorite trips was a two-week tour of several European countries with her lifelong friend Marilyn to celebrate turning 40. It was a whirlwind trip with stops in Paris, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Rome, Venice, Florence, Verona, Prague, Berlin, and Amsterdam, with lots of sleeper train trips. On the return flight from Paris to New York Judy repeatedly mentioned that she smelled something bad and thought the man in the seat in front of her had his shoes off. Thankfully Marilyn stopped Judy from making a comment because Judy discovered she was really the culprit. She had smuggled some type of cheese from France in her bag that was causing the smell.

Judy took care of everyone she met. She was always willing to listen and gave good advice. Judy loved going to World Market, Tuesday Morning, Trader Joe's, or Michael's to find gifts and treats for other people. Judy was always bringing something into work to share with everyone. Her dear friend Wendy recounts that she would always have chocolate on her desk and made sure you got some, especially if you were stressed out. She also had a small mischievous streak. In her 7th grade typing class the teacher would use a sheet of paper to hide the keyboard so the students could not see the letters. Judy quickly figured out that when she hit the return bar the paper would fly up and the keys were visible. The rest of the class quickly caught on.

Judy was so courageous through her battle with cancer this past year and continued to stay positive when she was in great pain. Even sick, she was always thinking of others. A few days before Judy passed from this earth she told her family and friends not to worry and that she would be okay. Judy always thought about others before herself and continued to do so to the end. She will be dearly missed by her friends and family who often found comfort in her kind smile and warm embrace.

Judy was preceded in death by her father Ronald A. Grove, brother Stephen C. Grove, and nephew Stephen M. Grove. Judy is survived by her mother Betty L. Grove, brother Walter A. Grove, sister Cheryl M. (Thomas) Powell, brother Ronald D. (Mary Kay) Grove and sister-in-law Mary Sue (Michael) Absten. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews: Melanie L. Sprankle, Heather M. Rodgers, Jeremy E. Grove, Allyssa R. Rodgers, Michael A. Grove, Robert E. Grove, Stephanie A. Grove, Adam M. (Willa) Grove, Jennifer M. (Abraham) King, as well as many great nieces and nephews. Her lifelong best friend Marilyn (Bob) Ewing and dear friend Wendy Miller also survive her.

Family will receive friends Wednesday February 16, 2022 from 4:00 ~ 7:00 pm at GRAUMLICH FUNERAL HOME 1351 South High St., Columbus, OH 43207, where service will be held Thursday February 17, 2022 at 1:30 pm.  Brother Danny Carty officiating.  Interment to follow at Obetz Cemetery.  To leave a condolence for the family and to view Judy's memorial tribute video, please visit www.graumlichfuneralhome.com

Please scroll all the way to bottom of page for service details