GREENWOOD
Heaven welcomed Judith Ann (Stich) Ralston of Greenwood, Indiana on November 21, 2023. Born of hearty German ancestry to Herbert and Alpha (Huber) Stich in Indianapolis, Indiana Judy was their pride and joy, the center of their universe. As a little girl she forged through a bout with diphtheria and a case of rabies. Before graduating and while a student at Manual High School, she worked at a shoe store on Fountain Square because, as she said, “what better place for a girl to work than surrounded by shoes.” After high school she worked for an insurance company then fulfilled her life’s dream when she married and gave birth to three boys; Kent, Mike and Joey. Mom became her name, one she relished and one she defined. She was mom to her three boys and all the boys of the neighborhood as it was her house that served as the gathering place before and after football, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, roller derby, hide and seek or shooting pool in the basement when the weather outside was bad.
Judy’s skill as a homemaker was beyond reproach – she did it all and did it all with excellence. Beyond wrangling three rambunctious boys and a couple dogs, building and keeping a tidy home, nothing compared to her skill as chef and baker, her specialty German cuisine. When money was tight in the household she went back to work as a teacher’s aide at Clinton Young Elementary School so that she could provide sporting equipment and new clothes for her three boys. Later, when unexpectedly abandoned by her first husband, she didn’t flinch; instead, going to work full-time selling lift chairs and part-time as a beauty consultant with Merle Norman. The Blonde Fox, as she was known, continued forging ahead, paving her own way and ultimately achieved something unthinkable at the time, purchased a home in her own name. Her guardian angel led a former neighbor to ask if Judy would be interested in working at Universal Tool in Beech Grove. She seized the opportunity, one that would prove fortuitous in more ways than one. Working at Universal she met and later married her dashing Prince, George Ralston, with whom she shared 37 wonderful years. Her guardian angel again visited when Judy was approached and offered a position in the Perry Township school district’s financial office, one she accepted and worked for many years before retiring with distinction.
Judith Ann (Stich) Ralston’s spirit has traveled but cherished memories of her remain among all who knew her. Remaining behind is her loving and devoted husband George Ralston, sons Kent (Lisa) and Mike (Ivy), grandsons Bradley and Evan, granddaughters Iris and Emily, step-children Beth, Becky, Kathy, Rex and John, and a great many step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. With her in heaven are her beloved parents Herb and Alf, son Joey, grandson Joe and dogs Joker and Labby.
Until we meet again Blonde Fox.
