Judy Kay Dilling

Judy Kay Dilling, 80, Roaring Spring, passed from this life into God’s presence on March 6, 2024.

She was born April 29, 1943, in Jefferson, daughter and only child of the late John and Kathryn (Wertz) Thompson.

After graduating from York Suburban High School, Judy attended Shippensburg University, where she studied business education. It was at Shippensburg where she met the love of her life, Joseph E. Dilling of Martinsburg. They married Aug. 19, 1967, and were blessed with 56 years of marriage.

Joe and Judy have three devoted daughters: Jodi M. Clingenpeel (Timothy) of Roanoke, Va., Jennifer R. Smith (Kyle) of Rochester Hills, Mich. and Heather S. Roberts (Kevin) of Nappanee, Ind .; seven grandchildren: Jordan Clingenpeel (Bethany) of Fairborn, Ohio, Jason and Justin Clingenpeel of Roanoke, Isaac and Rachel Roberts of Nappanee, Samuel and Grace Smith of Rochester Hills; one great-grand-daughter, Josephine Clingenpeel; and devoted friend and caregiver, Larae Wiedemann.

Judy taught business classes at Northern Bedford High School from 1967 until 1969, and at York Suburban High School from 1980 until 1997. She was a beloved teacher and co-worker and her impact on students was immeasurable.

Faith in God and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was at the heart of everything Judy did. She was active in the Martinsburg Grace Brethren Church while they lived there, serving as a Sunday School teacher, kids club leader and active participant in various women’s ministries.

When they moved to York County in 1979, she continued serving the Lord at Susquehanna Grace Community Church through various ministries including deaconess, Sunday School teacher, Bible study leader, youth group leader and marriage mentor with husband, Joe.

She never missed an opportunity to show God’s love to people.

Judy enjoyed antiques, gardening, photography, decorating and baking. What brought her the most joy, however, was spending time with her family. Husband Joe was the love of her life, sweethearts for over 60 years. They did everything together and supported one another in various endeavors including an antique business and building a hunting cabin. They had a special love, and as Judy put it, “The flame never died.”

She adored her daughters and spent countless hours driving them to sports practices, games, camp, youth group, music rehearsals, performances, lessons, and other activities. She never missed a game or a musical performance.

When she became a grandmother, “Mimi,” she and Joe traveled to visit their grandchildren often, never missing a birthday. She planned family trips, vacations, hosted family dinners and entertained each grandchild for a week alone at Mimi and Pap Pap’s house. As some grandchildren would cry when it was time to leave Mimi and Pap Pap’s house, Judy started a tradition of dancing in the driveway to make them laugh. This became known as the Mimi dance and brought much laughter over the years.

The family offers heartfelt thanks to Gentiva Hospice, and to many friends and loved ones who genuinely cared for Judy in the last years of her life.

Friends will be received from 4 until 7 p.m., Friday, March 15, 2024, at Martinsburg Grace Brethren Church and from 10 until 11 a.m., Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the church, where a funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Pastor Brian L. McCall will be officiating. Private interment will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Martinsburg.

In honor of Judy, memorial gifts may be given to the church camp her daughters attended every summer: Camp Mantowagan, 2671 Camp Lane, Saxton, PA 16678; or to a ministry Judy loved and supported: Hand-in-Hand Orphan Schools (in Central African Republic), Encompass World Partners, PO Box 620067, Atlanta, GA 30362 (note-line: HnH-7188).

Arrangements by John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg, (www.bolgerfuneralhome.com)