Judy Ann Poe

On May 19, just months from her 80th birthday, Judy Ann Poe (neé Bittner) of Goshen, began her heavenward journey, freed from the affliction of Alzheimer's. For more than 59 years, Judy was the devoted wife of James Meredith Poe and, together, they raised four sons Brian (Amy), David (Christy), Brady (Courtney), and Blake (Felicia). Survived by nine grandchildren-David, Jacob, Helen, Andrew, Vivian, Elyn, Sofie, Tenley, and Creighton--Judy was a loving grandmother, who found contentment being a part of their lives, whether playing games together or sharing time poolside. Judy is also survived by a brother, Jerry Bittner (Jane), a sister Patricia Alexander (Ralph), and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her beloved father and mother, Albert and Catherine Bittner, and two sisters, Audrey Ankenbauer (Cliff) and Betty Stine (Jim).

After graduating from Milford High School, Judy enrolled at Morehead State University to study accounting, later opting instead to work as a bookkeeper, among other vocations, to support her family. Judy lived most of her life in the greater Cincinnati area but traveled extensively to celebrate and cheer on the milestones of her children, their spouses, and grandchildren. After eleven years of service as an employee of Delta Airlines, Judy proudly earned lifetime flight benefits, logging more than 500 flights across the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe, with an abiding fondness for Paris, France, Italy, and St. Thomas.

For decades, and especially after the arrival of grandchildren, Judy and Jim made the July 4th holiday a special gathering time, bringing the family together from across the U.S. and overseas to celebrate the Nation's birthday. What eventually became an annual tradition was anticipated as much for her signature potato salad as for the chance for the family to reconnect. An ardent Reds baseball fan, Judy would often accompany the family to Reds games during these July visits and continued to enjoy following the team even into her final days.

Helping to inspire all four of her sons and two of her grandchildren to military service, Judy modeled and embraced civic duty and community involvement, serving as a long-time docent and Life Member of the Loveland Historical Society Museum, and a member of the Loveland Woman's Club. She was a local poll worker and served fourteen years as a Cub Scout Den Mother through the participation of all four of her sons. For many years, Judy kept active while enjoying social connections at the former Goshen Curves. Committed also in her faith, Judy was a member and former Deacon of the Loveland Presbyterian Church and in her youth, she was a member of Job's Daughters.

Judy was an accomplished gardener and had a wealth of knowledge of flowers and floral design, as evidenced by the beauty surrounding the Poe family pool each summer. She had a soft spot for cats that turned up at the homestead, never letting them in but ensuring they didn't want, giving them a warm place in winter or scraps of food to eat. Thrifty and always thinking of her family, she strategically chose employers to meet family needs, whether schedule-babysitting to simultaneously care for her own children-or outfitting the household. Judy will be remembered for her unwavering loyalty to family and for her determination to experience the world beyond the boundaries of her life in Goshen yet ever returning to the place she called home.

Judy will be laid to rest in a graveside memorial service at 12:00 noon, May 30th, 2025, at the Goshen Cemetery, Goshen, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Loveland Historical Society Museum, the Loveland Presbyterian Church or the Goshen Twp Historical Society. Evans Funeral Home, Goshen serving the family.