Judy Bower, age 74 of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Monday evening, April 15, 2024 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

She was born on December 15, 1949 to the late Ivan and Florence (Hammons) Bower.

Judy, or "JB" as many knew her, was a remarkable individual with a deep passion for sports, particularly softball.Her dedication to coaching and mentoring her players, whom referred to her as "Her Kids", highlights her commitment not only to the sport but also to instilling important values on and off the field.

In addition to softball, Judy was an avid bowler, having the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors for the Women's Bowling Association. She also contributed her time to gymnastics at the YMCA. Her nickname "Big Jude" reflects her strong-minded nature and determination. Despite her stature, she possessed a powerful presence and was not easily swayed once she made up her mind. "Small but Mighty". Judy's involvement extended beyond sports; she was an active member of the Moose, a lifelong member of the AMVETS, and a member of the VFW since the age of 16.

Judy is survived by her brother, Dale (Connie) Bower, her godsons Adam and Nick Lieswyn (Jennifer and Baby Emmet) and AJ Winkler, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers Roy, Jim and Ivan Jr.

Judy wanted to acknowledge special people in her life, who were always there for her - Vicky, Chuck, Sandy, Paula and Beth "Hot-Dog" (known as Aunt Judy).

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 2:00 to 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson/Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Schaffer Funeral Home South, with Deacon Jeff Mayer officiating. Judy will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery

Judy Bower's memory will be cherished by the countless lives she impacted, both through her contributions to sports and her unwavering support for those around her. Her legacy will continue to inspire others for years to come. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Tunnel to Tower, or Wounded Warrior Project.

Wounded Warrior Project
7020 A.C. Skinner Parkway, Suite 100, Jacksonville FL 32256
Tel: 1-877-832-6997
Web: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Tunnel to Tower
2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island NY 10306
Tel: 1-718-987-1931
Email: donationsupport@t2t.org
Web: https://t2t.org/

Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries out its mission to "do good," by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. Tunnel to Towers is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001.