Judith Harley Obituary

Dr. Judith Ann Harley, age 54, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, while in the care of Crestwood Care Nursing Home in Shelby, Ohio. Judith had been in declining health the past three years. Judith, or "Judie" as she was known, was born to Donald and Patricia Harley of Crestline, Ohio, May 26,1971. While Judith's time on earth seemed too short, she was able to share her love and compassion with many people over the years. She was a caring soul, always cheerful, and shared her friendship with many, both in her personal life and her professional life. Despite having serious health issues while working on her dissertation, Judith earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Ashland University, of which she was very proud. Judith's tireless care for others is reflected in her career working with children who faced both behavioral and mental health challenges. Her pleasant and loving personality was reflected in her love of helping both children and their families. She was passionate about her work and enjoyed her career. Judith was a lifelong fan and loved the music of REM. She attended a number of REM concerts, collected and read books about the band members and was a faithful fan club member. Judith loved her friends! She loved to attend cookouts, Halloween and Christmas parties with friends. She loved shopping, swimming, and watching movies at the cinema and drive-in movie theater, as well as going to concerts. Whatever the activity, Judith loved meeting up with friends and "just being there" to support her friends. Judith also enjoyed vacations, particularly that involved traveling. She was able to visit Cape Cod and Florida with friends, seeing the ocean and spending time relaxing. A creative individual, Judith enjoyed making things. She expressed her creativity by designing and making jewelry, drawing, painting and making crafts. She had a passion for skin care and makeup, also. Some of Judith's pastimes at home were watching television, reading and caring for her pets, which she loved. Judith was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Crestline, Ohio. She will be dearly missed by her mother, Patricia Harley of Crestline, Ohio; aunts and uncles, numerous cousins and the many friends whose lives she helped during her career journey.Judith is preceded in death by her father, Donald Harley, her maternal grandparents, Clarence and Gladies Harley and her paternal grandparents Concetta and Anatolio Christini. There will be a graveside service on Monday, July 28, 2025, 9:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, County Road 330, East Main St., Crestline. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 AM in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 331 North Thoman St., Crestline, with Fr. Jeff Smith, Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Southern Care Hospice of Mansfield, Crawford County Humane Society, or Cornerstone Counseling Services of Ashland. Family and friends are grateful and would like to thank the caring staff of Southern Care Hospice and Crestwood Care Center for their care of Judith. Those wishing to share a memory of Dr. Judith or send condolences to the Harley family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com. The Gompf Funeral Service, Crestline Chapel, 223 W. Main Street, Crestline is honored to serve the family of Dr. Judith Ann Harley. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Judith Ann Harley, please visit our floral store.