Judith K. (Cole) McClain's Obituary
Judith K. (Cole) McClain passed away peacefully on June 12, 2024, at her home in Columbus, Ohio. She was born on September 4, 1940, to Helen (Purdy) and George Cole in Killbuck, Ohio. Judy married Larry Howard in 1961 and they raised their family in Wooster. After Larry’s death in 1992, she married Michael (Mick) McClain. They enjoyed twenty-seven years of marriage until his death in 2021.
Judy devoted her life to loving and caring for her family. Her love was nurturing and unconditional. Her care was deep and consistent. She was a unifying force in her family. Judy’s friends and family are better because of her life, and she will be missed immeasurably.
Judy’s energy and joy were renewed in the final years of her life when she found new purpose, love and community at Claremont Retirement Village in Columbus. She forged new and meaningful friendships, served as co-chair of the Welcoming Committee, deepened her faith through Bible study, and enjoyed numerous dances, concerts, and evening games with friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Roger Cole and her sister Janet (Cole) Clark. She leaves behind sister-in-law Arilda (Ril) Cole; her three children Lisa (Howard) Baird and husband Michael Baird, Sharon (Howard) Reik and husband James Reik, Jeff Howard and wife Christian (Rogers) Howard; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; her three stepchildren Mark McClain and wife Laura (Frary) McClain, Christy (McClain) Pamer, and Michael McClain and wife Mandy; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A memorial service will take place at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 16 at Linworth Baptist Church in Worthington (6200 Linworth Rd, 43085) followed by a reception.
Per the family, please have all flowers delivered to the memorial service.
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