Judy Kay Coble

Judy Kay Coble, née Smith, was born on September 27, 1942, in North Manchester, Indiana, to Virgil Ray and Beulah (Bollinger) Smith, and passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026, at Stillwater Hospice in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Judy's life was marked by her unwavering dedication to caring for children, a profession she embraced with both passion and devotion. Earlier in her career, she proudly owned her own child care business, and later continued to serve the community through various child care services, touching countless lives with her nurturing spirit.

On August 15, 1959, Judy married Jerry W. Coble. Their union was a beautiful partnership filled with exploration and shared dreams, including a love of travel that brought them joy throughout their years together. They were blessed with three children whom they raised in their hometown of North Manchester before relocating to Indianapolis. After Jerry’s passing on November 14, 2008, Judy eventually moved to Warsaw, where she continued to uphold the values and love that defined her life.

Known for her kind heart and warm spirit, Judy was a devoted Christian who embraced her faith with great sincerity. She belonged to Meridian Street Church of God during her time in Indianapolis and, after returning to the area, began attending First Church of God in Columbia City. Her faith was a cornerstone, guiding her actions and her interactions with all who knew her.

Judy’s family was the center of her world. She deeply loved her children and treasured the moments spent with her grandchildren, who brought her immense joy. Despite enduring the profound sorrow of losing two of her children, Rodney and Christal, Judy's resilience and loving nature never waned. With a gentle sense of humor, she was fondly known as "the boss," a playful nod to her spirited personality.

The loving memory of Judy Coble will be forever cherished by her son, Jerry Keith (Mary) Coble, Warsaw; sister, Nancy Lee (Rusie Pudis) Eads, Warsaw; seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and daughter-in-law, Kristy Coble, Indianapolis. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil Ray Smith and Beulah Hunn; son, Rodney Lee Coble; daughter, Christal Kay Massey; son-in-law, Tony Massey; and sisters, Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Engle, Martha “Martie” Smith, and Janet Rhoades.

Family and friends may call Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with calling beginning at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor J.P. Freeman officiating. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery, North Manchester, Indiana.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Judy Coble, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-9959 or Stillwater Hospice, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46814.

The family of Judy Coble has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.