Judith B. Reuning

Judith B. Reuning, age 84, passed away on June 15, 2026 at Bethany Village, Centerville, OH where she spent her final years. Judy was born on October 13, 1941 in Wellsville NY to Walter and Medora (Lish) Brandes, both of whom preceded Judy in death. Judy was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Richard H. (Dick) Reuning. Judy is survived by son Steve (Laura) Tuhela-Reuning, daughter Julie Reuning-Scherer, grandchildren Joel Reuning-Scherer and Stephanie Reuning-Scherer, brother-in-law Sanford (Joan) Reuning, and thirteen nieces and nephews.

Dick and Judy went to first grade together but it was at their senior all-night party at Wellsville Central High School in 1959 that they began dating. Dick and Judy were married on June 8, 1963 in Wellsville, NY, and were devoted friends and partners for life.

Judy received her BA (1963) and her MA (1966) in Education from SUNY Buffalo. Teaching was a life long vocation. Judy taught junior high school math in Buffalo, fifth and sixth grade religious education classes at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Columbus, tutoring and volunteering in several Columbus Public Schools, and math instructor at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus where she was responsible for re-accreditation of the college and delighted in the challenge of helping her students gain important math and life skills.

In their retirement, Judy and Dick founded Lifecrossings, LLC dedicated to publishing materials for adult Christian education. Together they published five books and conducted numerous workshops, including teaching at Holden Village in Chelan, Washington and Camp Calumet in West Ossipee, New Hampshire. Judy was an ardent supporter of Faith Mission, an organization that provides services to the homeless, where she served hundreds of meals and organized annual concerts that raised nearly $100,000 for the organization. She also served faithfully at her home congregation of Gethsemane Lutheran in church leadership and adult education for many years. 

Judy will be remembered most for her warm smile and her genuine love of people. She had a gift for conversation and took special joy in drawing out those who were shy. Together with Dick, she opened their home to people of all ages and walks of life hosting block parties, graduate student and faculty gatherings, youth events, and care group meetings, always with a home-cooked meal featuring vegetables from the garden. Judy was an advocate for justice, particularly racial integration in public schools and legal access to abortion. The seeds of love that Judy planted and nourished in building these many relationships continue to grow.

Friends and family are invited to call at Gethsemane Lutheran Church on Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 10-11 am. A memorial service to follow at 11 am with a lunch and remembrances at noon, also at Gethsemane Lutheran. Attendees are invited to share a brief story about Judy at the lunch.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lutheran Social Services - Faith Mission. Choose LSS Faith Mission in the dropdown menu.