Judith Ann "Judy" Niekamp, age 74, died peacefully Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Green Hills Community in West Liberty.

Born Juliana Marfics in Salzburg, Austria, April 20, 1950. Judy, now orphaned, arrived in the United States in 1952 and was adopted by the late Lester Niekamp & Beverly (Morris) Niekamp Schulte, and later her stepfather Vernon Schulte.

In addition to her parents, Judy is preceded in death by aunts and uncles: Ethel & Elmer Rinderle, Paul & Dottie Niekamp, Thomas Niekamp, Joan & Maurice Rammel, Joe Miller, and her godfather Andrew Niekamp.

Judy was an only child, and following her parents' passing, was looked after by her godmother Kathleen and uncle Jerry Pulskamp of New Bremen, and later her cousins Karen & Terry Makley and Meghan Makley of Troy. Judy is also survived by aunts and uncles: Mary Niekamp, Phyllis Miller, Jim & Margie Niekamp, and Janet & Jim Bolton, as well as many cousins and friends.

People were the most important part of Judy's life, and everyone she met became her cousin, even the checkout person at Walmart. Judy was a child at heart and in mind. Her wants were few, and her joys many. She loved people, actually she collected people. Like a child, she enjoyed any celebration as long as it included people, presents, and soda. However, any visit was welcome, especially if it involved her guitar-toting cousins "Butch" Rinderle, Dianne Hart, or Lois Thobe. Judy loved country music and playing bingo. Her caregivers and roommates quickly became special members of her extended family. With childlike faith she often prayed for her family members. Judy will be remembered for her feisty temperament, her contagious smile, and her generous giving spirit.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at St. Henry Catholic Church. Judy will be buried alongside her father in the St. Henry Cemetery.

Friends may call from 9-11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in St. Henry.

Judy's family requests that in lieu of flowers and gifts memorial donations be made to Hospice of Bellefontaine.

Condolences for the family may be expressed in person or left at hogenkampfh.com.