Judith M "Judy" (Heller) Pickering Obituary (1938

Judith "Judy" Marie Pickering, age 82, passed away on April 1, 2021, at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, FL after an extended illness. Judy was born on May 30, 1938 in Elwood, IN. She was the daughter of William Joseph and Margaret Maxine (Savage) Heller. Judy was a life-long resident of the Frankton and Anderson area where she attended Frankton High School. This is where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Jim Pickering, on April 4, 1954. They would spend the next 67 years together building their lives and family. In 1967, Judy began her working career at Production Credit in Anderson. She retired in 1997 after 30 years of service. After her retirement, she began a second career as a loan processor for local mortgage and title companies. For over 20 years, Judy would spend the winter months with her husband, Jim, in their favorite spot in the sun, Bradenton, FL. This was their "Happy Place" where many lasting memories and special friendships were born. Judy had a fun heart and enjoyed going to parties and dances with Jim at their retirement community at Palm Lakes Estates. Judy and Jim had a ball doing the "Chicken-Dance" at these regular parties! Judy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Spending time with her family brought her great joy and happiness. She was a kind and caring friend and always willing to help whoever she could. She never met a stranger and was known throughout her Bradenton community as Little Momma!" She loved going to the beach and soaking up the sunshine, talking to her neighbors, doing Sudoku, playing poker, dominoes and games on her computer. She will be sadly missed by all. Judy leaves behind a living legacy consisting of her husband, Jim; her 4 loving daughters, Peggy Parker, Patty(Mori) Hersberger, Pam Rusher and Penny (Randy) Eblen; 9 grandchildren, Mike (Tara) Horning, Jennifer Rusher, Justin (Amy) Rusher, Jacole (Michael) Johnson, Caleb (Samantha) Clymer, Meghan (Travis) Wise, Jarren (Pete Farr) Mattingly, Joel Hersberger and Joie Elben; 11 great-grandchildren, Tyler (Libby) Hittle, Alison Hittle, Taylor (Brady) Zebrauskas, Emma Horning, Sky Horning, Jett Johnson, River Horning, Blakely Mattingly, Jentry Johnson, Jora Johnson and Grayson Wise; sister and brother-in-law, Bob and Doniece "Sis" Heady; nephew, Scott (Amy) Heady; and many loving nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her niece Kelly Jean Heady. Judy's family would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to everyone who cared for Judy during the past few years, especially, the doctors and nurses at Manatee Memorial Hospital. The family would additionally like to give a heartfelt thank you to special friend, caregiver and neighbor, Cozy Powell. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions in Judy's name can be made to the Madison County 4-H Association, 3424 Mounds Rd, Anderson, IN 46017 A Celebration of Life Ceremony is scheduled to be held on April 17, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Harper & Dunnichay Funeral Home, Frankton Chapel. To send flowers to the family or to have a tree planted in the memory of Judy, please click on the "Send Flowers for Judy" button above. Online condolences can be given at www.dunnichayfuneralhome.com