Judith L. Wanner, 80, of Bluffton, passed away at her home on Sunday morning, Oct. 18, 2026.
Judy was born on May 26, 1946, in Wauseon, Ohio, to Marvin and Wiltrude (Brown) Rupp. After graduating from Stryker High School, she furthered her studies at Taylor University, where she majored in speech. She then received her master’s degree from Indiana University. Judy taught speech and English at Crispus Attucks High School before it was integrated. On Aug. 16, 1969, Judy and Dr. Loren J. Wanner were married in Archbold, Ohio, and they were blessed with 57 years of marriage.
Once her children were born, Judy devoted herself to her most cherished role: being a mother. She loved spending time with her kids and grandkids and attending their sporting events and activities.
Judy lived her life with a focus on the love and grace of Jesus, which was obvious in how she interacted with people. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Bluffton for nearly 50 years and served in many roles including singing in the choir, and teaching children and adults.
She was a member of Foltz Book Club, enjoyed having lunch with the ladies on Mondays, and loved listening to Christian music. She also enjoyed teaching English to her Haitian friends.
Her greatest gift was hospitality. She loved entertaining and welcoming people into her home from various walks of life. She sent numerous cards, letters and words of encouragement to loved ones.
While she was calm, humble and slow to anger, she was also a competitive person who was always straightforward and direct and always quick to stand up for what was right.
Survivors include her husband, Dr. Loren J. Wanner of Bluffton; her sons: Dr. Matthew (Shannon) Wanner of Carmel, Dr. Nathan (Christina) Wanner of Salt Lake City, Utah, Philip (Jenny) Wanner of San Diego, California, and Daniel Wanner of Charleston, South Carolina; along with nine grandchildren, Sam, Josh, Maddie, and Noah Wanner, Rebecca, Jenna and Benjamin Wanner, and Winston and Ruby Wanner. She is also survived by her sisters, Sharon Ehresman of Fort Wayne, Sandra Moeschberger of Upland and Jeanne (Malcolm) Stauffer of Berne; and a sister-in-law, Marilynn Rupp of Strongsville, Ohio.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, Austin Wanner, and a brother, Joe Rupp.
A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Bluffton, with Pastor Peter Fairchild officiating.
Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton and for one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.
Memorials may be made to CRU, formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ, and may be directed through the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends may share online condolences with the family at www.thomarich.com.