Judith Patton

Judy Patton, 72, of Mifflinburg, succumbed to cancer Tuesday, January 22 at Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh. Born Judith Carolyn Patton, the youngest of three children in 1946, Judy grew up in a suburb of Pittsburgh before attending the University of Missouri and finally Penn State University, where she graduated with a degree in journalism in 1968. Along the way, she met and married the enduring love of her life, Robert Patton, in 1966. After graduation, Judy went to work with her husband as a dairy farmer near Howard, Pennsylvania, where she raised four strong-willed children and managed a household on a farmer’s salary. After moving to Michigan in 1986, Judy became the editor of a dairy industry publication, and she maintained an active role in ag journalism over the next decade. In 1990, Judy and Robert finally settled in Mifflinburg, where she managed the affairs of her husband’s consulting business and helped her children navigate the challenges of young adulthood. In later years, Judy was active in the Buffalo Valley Singers of Lewisburg, and she spent her retirement years as a home health aide for Home Instead, tirelessly caring for those in need.

Judy was a lover of music, travel, games, and especially family. Without complaint, she always gave comfort and compassion to all who needed it. Sincere, honest, and infinitely loving, Judy’s light touch belied an ironclad fortitude which never failed to bring joy in good times and peace amid life’s trials. Her life was a light beyond words, and her loss is beyond measure.

Judy is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, four children, ten grandchildren, a brother, a song book, a recipe box, and a million tender memories.

Visiting hours will be held this Friday, January 25th at the Roupp Funeral Home in Mifflinburg from 6-8pm, with a Memorial Service Saturday the 26th starting at 11am. Please consider making a donation to the Buffalo Valley Singers at buffalovalleysingers.org so that her voice may carry on with them.