Judith "Judy" Gross

Judith "Judy" Gross (nee Schueneman), passed peacefully in the presence of her children and grandchildren on October 14, 2022. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents Roy and Gwendolyn Schueneman; her brothers, Elvin Schueneman, H.C. Schueneman, Roy Schueneman, Jr.; sister, Ardith Walker; her first husband, Frederick Joseph Bunte, in 1985 and by her second husband, Herbert William Gross, in 2016. She is survived by her children, Susan Bunte and Rebecca Hadley, grandchildren, Kirk Hadley, Tory Hadley, Benjamin Gross, Elizabeth Bunte and Athena Hadley-Tang. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marilyn Schueneman. 

Judy was born in Kewanee, Illinois on May 5,1941, Judy led a life defined by a fierce dedication to those causes and fortunate individuals she held dearest. She graduated from Kewanee High School in 1959. Her commitment to this purpose animated her most significant choices and accomplishments, starting with her undergraduate studies in English education at Northwestern University, where she graduated in 1963. She never lost sight of her beginnings-- there's a reason why the younger generations of her family have come to understand Kewanee as both the particular hometown of their beloved matriarch and the best of small-town midwestern American life. To know Judy is to know that of course she would present her birthplace in the best light possible, because she would do the same for you as well.

Judith's steadfast devotion to advancing the ideals she held closest went far beyond her commitment to her beloved hometown. The choice to further her career by earning a graduate degree in special education is, fortunately, widely lauded today. Her dedication to improving the lives of young people with significant disabilities in the Columbus City Schools was heartfelt and impactful, as shown by the many touching letters she received from her students’ families.

Her investment in her student's well-being was surpassed only by her profound commitment to her family. Never one to comply for conformity's sake, she had her own, inimitable approach to loving and supporting her family. When her loved ones found themselves in times of need, Judy showed up. Whether it was the arrival of a new addition to her family or to see a loved one through grave times, those whom she cherished could always count on her support, and that support always surpassed any reasonable expectation. And as even her faintest of acquaintances could attest, that support often took the form of truly impressive quantities of sweets. Sometimes what we need in times of struggle is the dependable presence of our former matriarch, and at others, only an apple cake can suffice. Judy was always prepared with both. She was a woman of intelligence and grace who lived with the burden of multiple sclerosis quietly and without complaint. She was a loving and proud mother of her children and a good friend to all who knew her.

In her later years, her canine companions were often the recipients of her love and support, particularly a beloved rescue dog named Roxie. Once again, this loyalty to causes beyond her own interests surpassed any reasonable standard. Roxie didn't have an easy life before she came into Judy's world, manifested in behavior that was somewhat less than desirable. Nonetheless, Roxie was loved deeply. 

A private service will be held at the Maple Knoll Village Chapel on Wednesday, October 19th. The family wishes to express their gratitude to all those who cared for and loved Judy at Maple Knoll Village, Homewell Care Services, UC West Chester, and HOC Navigators. 

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