Judith Ann Pence

Judith Ann Pence died peacefully at her home October 19th. She had just celebrated her 93rd birthday.

Judy was a life-long resident of Lafayette and West Lafayette. She married her kindergarten buddy, and high school and college sweetheart, Hugh Pence, during their senior year at Purdue in 1953.

She adored her dad, Roland Marshall, and carried forward many of his great qualities … a strong entrepreneurial work ethic, a love of numbers and a dynamic adventurous spirit. For over 6 decades, “Hugh & Judy” worked side-by-side – literally & figuratively – in their farm management and apartment business. Working with a complimentary harmony, they were regarded as both a devoted couple and a small business machine.

Hugh referred to Judy as a “Proverbs 31” woman. She first and foremost loved family. She was a dedicated mom to two children, Julie Minner and Jeff Pence. She carved out precious 1:1 time with her grandchildren – including a special international trip for each. She was the matriarch for the extended Pence and Marshall families.

Their house was both a home and the family “business center” – a constant state of organized chaos. Judy called it “Grand Central Station.” Kids, farms, apartments, entertaining, checkbooks, home-life, farm tenants & owners, college kid helpers, caregiving and philanthropy. She was omni-competent. And many benefited from her business and organizational skills. If you wanted something done – and done right – you called Judy Pence.

Judy had a passionate love of God & Country. Her politics took shape working on Barry Goldwater’s ’64 Presidential campaign. She was a life-long “right-winger.”

Hugh & Judy were graduates of the West Lafayette High School “Class of ’50.” Judy was the glue that held together the especially close-knit class. She organized all of the reunions from the 10th to the 65th – which ultimately became annual “Great Encampments.”

Judy was a second-generation Purdue Chi Omega. Her mother, Margaret Marshall, was a founder and charter member, and in her own right an early female Purdue pioneer. Judy loved Chi O and for over five decades faithfully served the Chi O house, its collegiate members and local alumni.

Judy loved music. She sang at Purdue and church – and played the piano and accordion. All by ear. The only place she didn’t follow her husband’s lead was on the dance floor. She was also known for a delightful dose of orneriness.

Judy & Hugh shared a wide array of interests including time with friends, international travel (60+ countries), boating, entertaining, sailing and camping. Her annual Christmas Letter was a comprehensive diary for all to take in.

In everything, she was intentional. She constantly served others.

A Christian, her faith was quiet. Covenant Church was Judy’s church home.

Now commended to her Lord Jesus Christ, Judy Pence will be remembered as someone incredibly special … one who was a loving wife, mom, grandmother and great-grandmother, a dear friend, a philanthropist, a mentor, a doer. Hers was a fabulous life well-lived.

Judy is survived by her husband, Hugh Pence, son Jeff Pence (Corinne), daughter Julie Minner (Jeff), five grandchildren, Paul Pence (Erica), Augie Pence (Libby), Alex Minner, Dominique Peck (Adam) and Jake Minner, plus nine great-grandchildren.

Cards are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Covenant Church (covenantepc.org) or Joyful Journey (joyfuljourneywl.org).

Friends are warmly invited to a Celebration of Life service to be followed by a reception for fellowship, Sunday, November 16th, 2:00 pm, at Covenant Church, 211 Knox Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana.