Judith Rae Ely

Judy Rae Ely, 83, of Cleveland, TN, passed away February 26, 2022, at her residence surrounded by her family. Judy was born in Lincoln, Illinois and raised by her parents, Earl and Virginia Hendrickson. She grew up with her brother, Tom, and her sister, Marcia. Growing up, Judy loved to spend time with her friends and her grandparents, Emil and Tilly Hendrickson. Judy remembered her childhood fondly, often telling her younger family members about Emil and Tilly’s Swedish roots and about the world travels of her other grandparents, Dr. John W. and Henrietta Dunn.

In Lincoln, Judy also met and married the love of her life, Donald Logan Ely. Don and Judy and their children later moved to Cleveland, where Judy continued raising her family and also contributed to those in need through her work at facilities for people with special needs.

Judy was most fulfilled in life by her faith. A devoted Christian, she maintained a lifelong relationship with Jesus so strong and so unbreakable that those around her never ceased to be awestruck by it. Though Judy was known for her sweet and gentle spirit, all who knew her will remember the tremendous strength and conviction that would suddenly rise in her voice as she prayed. And she prayed often, many times a day, constantly for her friends and family, for her community and the world, and for all whose troubles were brought to her attention. Manifested in her prayer and friendship, Judy’s limitless compassion made the world a better place, a sweeter place. At a recent gathering of her family, none could remember ever meeting a kinder person than Judy.

Beyond her spiritual pursuits, Judy loved to spend time with her family and watch movies, her favorite being Secondhand Lions. She was also delighted by watching and feeding the birds that visited her yard, and she was always quick to point out the species to her grandchildren. Few things brightened Judy’s day more than the bluebirds and cardinals and robins that would sing in her neighborhood.

Judy maintained many friendships throughout her long life, and her face would light with joy whenever her family and friends called or visited. This happened often, as so many people were drawn to the constant sweetness of her personality. She reveled in providing her friendship, and countless people were blessed by it.

Judy’s best friend was her husband, Don. Every Friday for many years, Don and Judy would go out to have her hair done and visit town for a lunch date. Their love for each other endured for their entire 64 years of marriage. Even in their final months, Don would greet her as “sweet Judy” every morning and prepare her coffee that they would drink as he started reading the paper and they conversed about their plans for the day.

Together, Don and Judy raised three children, Donald Wayne, John, and Amy, and four grandchildren, Timothy, Anna, Zackery, and Joshua. Their children and grandchildren have pursued their lives and dreams to the fullest thanks to Judy’s wonderful gifts as a mother and grandmother, as a mentor and a friend.

Judy was ceaselessly sweet and incomparably kind. She was funny, joyful, and smart, and she remembered nearly everything. Her absence will be deeply felt by the many friends and family whose lives were graced by her wonderful spirit. But even as Judy ascends to heaven, her love will remain in the world, cherished and perpetuated by the countless people who love her dearly.

Preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Virginia Hendrickson; husband, Donald Logan Ely; brother, Thomas L. Hendrickson.

Survived by her children, Donald W. Ely, John G. Ely (Brenda), and Amy Ely Hixon (Galen); sister, Marcia Hendrickson Ritter (Mike); grandchildren, Timothy Ely, Anna Ely, Zackery Ely, and Joshua Ely.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Companion Funeral Home-Cleveland, TN will be handling the arrangements.