Judith Marie (Nee Mertens) Fox, resident of Wetumpka, Alabama, (formerly of West Chester), passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 14, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on August 12, 1943, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Edmund and Ruth (Nee Eichorn) Mertens. Judi attended Saint William grade school and was a 1961 graduate of Seton High School.
For forty-seven years, Judi shared her life with her late husband, James D. Fox. Their love story began in grade school and their wedding ceremony took place at Saint William Church in October of 1964. Judi and Jim’s love, friendship, and devotion to one another transcended into a beautiful life shared with their five children: Jeniene (Bill) Wood, Jason, Joellene (Kevin) Kenyon, Justin (the late Jennifer) Fox, and Justine (Billy) Paragin.
Together Jim and Judi built a house in West Chester that soon became “Home” for twenty-one years. They were welcomed by neighbors with open arms, and Judi was eager to join Card Club and Bunko. Castle Rock lane is where their family roots settled, foundations and values were built, and lifetime friends were met. Her adoration towards her children led her to volunteer for Girl Scouts, Brownies, youth sport organizations, and school and church events. Judi’s nurturing heart, carefree spirit, and sense of humor was quickly noted and she was soon adopted as “Mom Fox” by many of her children’s friends. Judi’s dedication to her children and joy of their accomplishments go unmeasured.
In 1997 Jim and Judi were Alabama bound. She quickly became an Auburn fan! Eventually, she worked part-time as a Hallmark Representative. Through her work and wonderful neighbors, she made quite a few dear friends. She enjoyed gardening, gazing at the deer and other wildlife, making “to do lists” for Jim, and learning how to ride their ATV. Together they supported local and family owned restaurants. Meanwhile, Judi had no problem in aiding their hometown shops. Although distance played a role in visits, her most significant blessings were her fourteen grandchildren including: Aaron, Elizabeth, Lindsey, Liberty, Hayden, Scott, Jude, James, Parker, Gracyn, Morgan, Madison, Logan, Reagan, and her ten great-grandchildren, and another great grandson on the way – any day now! After twenty-eight years in Alabama, Judi considered it home and it was a “home away from home” for some of her children and grandchildren. She had so much love and pride for her small hometown!
Judi found pleasure in playing cards, dancing, doing word searches and puzzles, watching Game Show Network, the Hallmark Channel, and ION to catch her favorite crime show series. She had immense enthusiasm for college football, Cincinnati Reds, March Madness, the Alabama Montgomery Biscuits, and shopping! She was fond of traveling and shared many adventures with Jim, family, and friends. One of her most recent trips was to Ireland with her grandson. Anyone could put a smile on her face with an enticing treat. Whether it was a Milky Way, Three Musketeer, Peeps, “Grandma Cookies”, Taffy, “Fresh Fruit” or a chocolate marshmallow sundae, these where just a few of her treasured sweets!
Judi was kind-hearted and compassionate; she donated to various charities and organizations that she was passionate about. Among those are Wildlife Rescue Foundation, National Park Foundation, The SPCA, Wounded Warriors, Vietnam Veterans, Saint Jude, local churches and shelters, just to name a few.
Judi was preceded in death by her devoted husband, James D. Fox, her beloved parents, Edmund and Ruth (Nee Eichorn) Mertens, her loving brother, Lawrence Mertens, her dear sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn (Richard) Vogele, daughter-in-law, Jennifer Fox, and many other relatives and close friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Judi on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 12:00 (NOON), with a gathering of family and friends from 11:00 AM until time of service. All at Saint William Church, 4108 West Eighth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45205. Interment immediately following in Spring Grove Cemetery.
Judi leaves behind a footprint of love, kindness and generosity to all that knew her. She was here, but now she lives in the hands of the Father. It is not the end of her journey, but a new beginning.
May her spirit inspire us to live our lives to the fullest and enjoy the simple things that make us full.
Please visit www.fcdaehlermortuary.com to leave a special memory of Judi or condolences to her family.
