WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Judith Louise Picha, 81, of Winter Haven, Florida, went to be with her Lord on May 26, 2024. She was born on February 9, 1943, in Rockford, Illinois, to Hubert and Ruth Eshbaugh, of Stillman Valley, Illinois. She attended Stillman Valley schools for 12 years, graduating in 1961. Judy attended Rockford Business College, and then became a legal secretary. She married George J. Picha on September 14, 1968 in Rockford, where they resided for 48 years. Judy enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom and spending time with their two sons, Mike and Tom, enjoyed working as a volunteer at church and for various non-profit organizations. She also enjoyed tennis, golfing, boating, and summers spent with her family at their Sister Bay, Wisconsin (Door County) home. In 2016 George and Judy retired to their home in Door County and enjoyed many boat trips across Lake Michigan and into Canada. In 2020 they moved to Venice, Florida to enjoy peaceful, sunny days, and in 2023 moved to Winter Haven. Judy became a believer in Christ at a young age and was an active member of First Evangelical Free Church in Rockford and Sister Bay Baptist Church. After moving to Winter Haven, she and George attended Faith Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband George, their sons J. Michael (Kimberly) Picha and Thomas G. Picha; their grandchildren Taylor, David, Brooke, Ty Picha and Emma (Garrett) Smith; her sisters Nancy Gibson and Ann (James) Wittmer; niece Barbara (Donnie) Light; and nephews John (Nanette) Gibson, Paul (Carrie) Gibson, Andrew (Becky Ann) Wittmer, Timothy (Becky Lou) Wittmer, and Mark (Jenni) Wittmer. Judy was predeceased by her parents and by her brother-in-law Lawrence Gibson.
Memorial services will be on June 15, 2024, at Monroe Center Community Church, Monroe Center, IL, with Pastor Robert Mellon officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with the service immediately thereafter. Arrangements by Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home in Stillman Valley, IL. Private burial will be at the Monroe Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be sent to Lake Wales Care Center, 140 Park Ave, Lake Wales, Florida 33853. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Good Shepherd Hospice for their exceptional care. Visit www.farrellhollandgale.com to leave a condolence or memory of Judy.
