In Loving Memory of Our Matriarch, Judith Ann Herald, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Judy was born on February 22, 1940 to Florence and Orville in Dayton, Kentucky. Some people leave behind memories. Others leave behind a legacy so vast that it will continue to shape generations they will never meet. That is the legacy of our beloved Mom, Grandma, Sister, also lovingly known to some as "Judy", "Red" or "Jude". At 86 years old, her life was nothing short of extraordinary. She was the heart of our family, the steady foundation beneath us, and the woman whose love reached far beyond bloodlines. She raised six children, Kelly (Alan), Donnie (son and primary caregiver over the last four years), Ronda (late Denise), Jenny (Charlie), Steve and David (Jamie). She later welcomed three stepchildren as her own, Michelle (Craig), Mike (Glengy) and Chris (Linda). She became the proud grandmother, great-grandmother, and recent first time great-great-grandmother (Vincent), to a family that is impossible to count. She was preceded in death by her cherished granddaughter, Brandy, whose memory remained close to her heart. Judy was a dear sister to Winnie, Janice, Clarence, Darrell, Tim, late Charlie, late Buddy, and late Michael. Judy is also survived by a host of many nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends. Perhaps, her greatest gift was instilling in all of us the the true meaning of family including that it is not limited to biology. She insisted she never had a favorite child or grandchild—at least that's the story she stuck to no matter how much we tried to slip her up. But some would argue there were two honorary exceptions: Charlie and Big Shaun, who somehow always seemed to have a special place in her heart. To so many, she was simply "GMA Judy." Whether you were born into this family, married into it, dated someone in it, or simply needed a place to belong, she claimed you as one of her own. Once you were family to her, you stayed family. She easily had a heart big enough to hold everyone who crossed her path. Most of us would say that every good thing in us was either taught by or inherited from her. She taught some—not all of us—how to cook, though made sure we ALL knew how to be able to make room for one more around the table. She didn't just tell us how to live—she showed us every single day. She endured more hardship than many. Life tested her again and again. Her greatest accomplishment wasn't surviving life's difficulties—it was that she never let them diminish her capacity to love. Instead she chose to be defined by how fiercely she loved and the lessons she taught despite the hardships she faced. Eventually caring for her disabled husband, Elliott "Jr." Herald, until his death in 2015, she taught us that love is not something that we merely feel or say. Love is something you DO. You show up for the people you love. Even when it's hard, even when it's scary and no matter what. You love the people you love and you do so fiercely. One of her favorite parting phrases was, "TCOYFM"—"Take Care of You for Me." It was her simple but heartfelt way of reminding the people she loved that caring for themselves was just as important as caring for everyone else. Her home was a refuge. Her table was always open. Her wisdom was sought, her hugs were healing, and her love never came with a condition. She celebrated our victories, carried us through our heartbreaks, and reminded every one of us that we mattered. And then there was her unmistakable flair. You always knew when she had arrived. Her fiery red hair was as unforgettable as the woman herself—a reflection of the fire she carried inside. It matched her spirit: bold, fearless, impossible to ignore, and full of life. She loved the thrill of a trip to the casino, where she could be found with a smile on her face, hoping luck was on her side. She had an eye for beauty and a style all her own. She adored her designer handbags and shoes, carrying each one with the same confidence and grace that defined everything she did. She knew that life was meant to be enjoyed, and she embraced it with personality, and just the right amount of sparkle. She was also a collector in every sense of the word. She found joy in treasure hunting long before it became fashionable. She could spend hours happily wandering antique stores, thrift shops, and yard sales, seeing possibility where others saw ordinary things. And every corner of her home reflected this hobby of hers. The world is undeniably better because Judy lived in it. Today, it feels a little quieter, a little dimmer, and our hearts are heavier because she is no longer here. Yet even in our grief, we know this is not the end of her story. Her legacy lives on in every child she raised, every grandchild she spoiled, every lesson she taught, every tradition she began, every act of kindness she inspired, and every person fortunate enough to have been loved by her. Her fingerprints are on generations of lives, and they always will be. Though we will miss her beyond words, we find comfort in knowing that a life lived with this much love never truly ends. It echoes through the countless other lives she forever changed. Thank you for showing us what unconditional love looks like. Thank you for making all of us better simply because we belonged to you. Our family extends its deepest gratitude to the extraordinary nurses, nursing assistants, therapists, physicians, and every member of the team at Village Care Center in Erlanger who walked beside Judy during the final four months of her life. Their exceptional skill was matched only by their compassion, dignity, and grace. They cared for her not merely as a resident, but as a remarkable woman whose life mattered. They comforted our entire family, offering kindness in difficult moments and becoming an extension of the love that surrounded her until her final breath. We will always be grateful for the respect, tenderness, and unwavering care they gave to the woman who meant so much to all of us. In honor of Judy's life, a visitation will be held at Fares J. Radel Funeral Home, located at 822 York St, Newport, KY 41071, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM and where her funeral service will take place on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Her family invites those who knew and loved Judy to gather together to share memories and celebrate her life. Memorial contributions to be made to the Village Care Center , 2990 Riggs Ave, Erlanger, KY 41018, in gratitude for the compassionate and exceptional care provided to Judy. Special condolences may be expressed at www.frederickfh.com