New Middletown - A public memorial service and celebration of life for Judith A. Heaven, 69, of New Middletown will occur on Sunday, February 23rd at 4:00 P.M. at Zion Lutheran Church in New Middletown. Family and friends may visit with the family beginning at 2:30 P.M..

Judy went to live with her Lord after being killed in a tragic automobile accident Jan. 11, 2014. Judy was born Feb. 14, 1944, in Youngstown. She was the daughter of Richard W. and Ruth Clarkson Thomas, Sr., who both preceded her in death.

She graduated from North High School in Youngstown in 1962.

Judy married the love of her life, Ralph "Jim" Heaven, a high school classmate and friend, on Feb. 16, 1963. They had two children and three grandchildren, Judy and Jim created a beautiful loving life together. they celebrated their 50th anniversary last February with a party surrounded by family and friends.

Judy lived up to her married last name, she was truly a bit of "Heaven" on earth.

She was a vibrant, active member of Zion Lutheran church of New Middletown. Judy served on church council, distributed communion to shut-ins, and generously gave of her gifts to the congregation and the community. Judy and Jim were often seen decorating the church for the various seasons, as well as fixing anything that needed fixed.

Judy's presence and loving kindness will be greatly missed.

Judy leaves her loving husband, Jim; one son, Bill (Janie) Heaven of Canfield; one daughter, Sandi (Fredj) Kohler of New Middletown (Poland); one sister, Sharryn (Allen) Jones of Brookfield; one brother, Richard (Sherri) Thomas of Youngstown; and three devoted grandchildren, Ryan and Bree Kohler of New Middletown and Sarah Heaven of Canfield. She also leaves many friends and extended family who mourn her passing.

Judy was passionate about bringing her family together, cooking and planning things for them to enjoy. Her friends and neighbors were also very close to her heart. Without a doubt, though, her life and Jim's centered around their 3 grandchildren, whom she adored and loved unconditionally. Judy immersed herself in her grandchildren's activities, especially their sports, and always knew just the right thing to say and do for them. Her last weekend on earth was spent doing exactly what she loved to do: baking cookies for them and their teammates and watching them compete in their sports.

Judy retired as a customer-service representative from Home Savings and Loan, where she worked for 28 years. She also was a secretary for Canfield Fair for seven years.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Judith A. Heaven Memorial Fund at Huntington Bank.