Judith Ann Abernathy

Judith Ann Abernathy, 88, of Chillicothe, passed from this life on Sunday morning, June 28, 2026, at her daughter's home with her two daughters, Tami and Lori by her side. She was born on June 16, 1938, in Chillicothe, daughter of the late Paul J. and Dorothy L. Hawk Rhinehart. Judy married Joe R. Abernathy on January 13, 1976, and he preceded her in death on January 4, 2020.

She is survived by her children; Tami (Frank) Brown, Lori (John Porter) Theobald, Howard (Donna) Theobald, Tracey Taylor, all of Chillicothe and Amy (Ray) Betz of North Carolina. Judy is also survived by her grandchildren; Shane Theobald, Paul Theobald, Heidi Cunningham, Chad Cunningham, Whitney Theobald, Mary Montgomery, Krystal Taylor, Will Taylor, Matthew Betz, Daniel Betz and Grace Cabaniss; 20 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Judy was preceded in death by her sister, Sharon Rhinehart Cruse.

Judy was a 1956 graduate of Chillicothe High School. She worked at Mead Paper from September, 1963 to June, 1999, retiring with 36 years of service. Judy was a former member of the Board of Directors of Homeland Credit Union. She was a member of the Frankfort Presbyterian Church.

We want to express our deepest gratitude to the extraordinary team of caregivers who provided such compassionate care for Judy during her illness. Our heartfelt thanks go to Dr. John Gabis, the Adena Hospice team, her primary caregivers Cassie and Tina, Chaplain Michael, and Allen's Pharmacy. Because of their unwavering kindness, skill, and dedication, we were able to keep our mother at home, surrounded by love, allowing her to pass away with peace and dignity. We are forever grateful for the comfort you brought to Mom and our family.

Lastly, we would like to acknowledge her special friend and caregiver Megan Simmons Pechacek, as well as Frank and John for their endless dedication.

Family and friends are asked to attend a graveside service on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Frankfort. Chaplain Michael Burns will officiate the service. Following the service, Judy will be laid to rest beside her husband, Joe. In accordance with Judy's wishes, no viewing will be held.

The EBRIGHT FUNERAL HOME, Frankfort is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Good Samaritan Food Pantry, c/o Lori Theobald, 521 Parsons Ave., Chillicothe, Ohio 45601. Those who wish to share a memory of Judy and sign her online register may do so at www.ebrightfuneralhome.com.