JUDITH DUYMICH

A special note of heartfelt gratitude to Jennifer Vass Lane whose consistent kindness and consideration, for both of our parents, will never be forgotten.

Judy, born Judith Louise Christ on September 8, 1939, in Wheeling, WV, was the first-born child of the late Herbert E. Christ and Dolores J. Christ and older sister to Mary Jane (Janie Bober) Christ. Throughout life, Judy shared fond memories growing up in Wheeling, in the house on Bishop Street her kind and clever father built, how fortunate she and Janie were to have their doting grandmother “G-Ma” in their daily lives, and the joyful memories of playing with her sister, friends and their dog Buttsy-boy. Even through dementia and Alzheimer’s, these cherished memories remained with her.

In 1957 Judy graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy and met her future husband of 62 years, Michael Thomas Duymich (Tom) through a classmate friend. In November 1958, after Tom was told he was prohibited from marrying Judy, upon their next “date”, they enlisted a couple of friends (witnesses), drove across the state line, and eloped. After which, the new bride was returned home by curfew so no one was the wiserÃ-.until they were. At the request of Judy’s parents, the two stood before a priest alone to be remarried on January 17, 1959.

In 1963, after having their first two sons, close friends encouraged Tom and Judy to join them in Southern California by regaling them with stories of it being “the land of milk and honey”. With nothing more than a small handmade trailer, a dream, and a prayer, adventurously, the young family packed up and drove to California on “vacation”. If they couldn’t find work, they’d merely return home and it would just be a vacation. Tom secured a job the very next day launching a new life for their growing family. Tom and Judy would soon welcome a third son, followed by two daughters.

Judy devoted her life to her family, attempting to manage five crazy kids, participating in the PTA, making every meal from scratch (until the 1980s when they were allowed weekly In-n-Out), creating perfect Family Circle holiday meals and memories, and spending happy years enjoying her grandchildren.

After raising their children and welcoming the first six of 11 grandchildren and Judy’s mother on the decline, they retired to St. Clairsville in 1991 to fulfill Judy’s dream of returning ‘home’ in order to help with her mother, be near her sister, and to build a log home of their dreams. Upon their return, Judy and Janie immediately rekindled their close relationship. Soon the two were embarking on innumerable fun-filled adventures sharing endless laughs. These times and memories Judy cherished. Tom and Judy got themselves a small Jack Russell named Doodle who quickly became their favorite child. They would build their log home which they loved and shared with their family and friends over the years, enjoying many joyous times, delicious meals, storybook Christmases, and fun memories. They truly relished their 29 years of retired life on Mills Road and loved living in St. Clairsville.

Judy / Jude / Judy Jasmine / Jazzy / DJ Judy Jazz / Judy Doodie Fresh and Fruity / Mom / Nanne was preceded in death by her devoted husband Tom, (Dec. 2020) and leaves a huge void in the hearts and lives of her family and friends.

Judy leaves behind her beloved children, Tim (Kathie) Duymich, St. Clairsville, OH, Tom (Michele) Duymich, Santee, CA, Tedd (Lisa) Glendale, AZ, daughters Christine Duymich of Monterey, CA, and Sue (Jeff) Vass, Beaufort, SC, adored grandchildren: Ashlee, Tim, Alec, Natalie, Hannah, Eric, Matthew, Trevor, Kaley, Noah, and Aiden, six great-grand- children and her sister, Janie Bober and family.

Now that Tom and Judy are reunited, the family wishes to hold a dual memorial for both Judy and Tom Duymich this summer at a date to be determined.

Arrangements are entrusted to Toothman Funeral Home.