Judy McKee, 76, of Bucyrus, passed peacefully on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at home in the presence of loved ones and while under the care of Tranquility Hospice.
Judy was born on March 17, 1949 in Rochester, NY to the late Harold B. and Betty (Howland) Curtis. She was a 1967 graduate of Gates-Chili High School and that same year on July 1, married her high school sweetheart, W. Gary McKee. Gary and Judy made their way to Bucyrus in the late 1970s and she began doing some part-time accounting work at Quality Printing. They purchased the business in 1982 and worked well together. Gary primarily operated the printing aspect of the business and Judy handled all the accounting and billing tasks.
Judy had been formerly active in Wagon Wheel, enjoyed many games of euchre in their various card clubs and had bowled in a couple’s league with Gary, but what made her happiest was being around her children and grandchildren. She wore their hearts on her sleeve and was always supportive of anything they were involved in. Judy was also a “second mother” to close friends of her children and had kept in contact as to help brighten their day. She enjoyed cross stitching and often listened to Neil Dimond and Queen, her two favorite musical artists, but of all her hobbies, trips to the casino was her favorite pastime. She was an avid “one arm bandit,” pulling the slot arm as fast and as often as able and she maintained a lucky streak over the years. Her favorite casinos were Hollywood Casino in Columbus as well as casinos in both Detroit and Las Vegas, which they occasionally visited.
In addition to Gary, her husband of 58 years, Judy is survived by children, Glenn (Brooke) McKee of Deshler and Tina Frey of Medina; grandchildren, Grady McKee and Taylor Frey; siblings, Patricia Link, Carol (John) Brownyard, Robert (Deb) Curtis and Steve (Karen) Curtis.
Along with her parents, Judy was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Fred Link and an aunt, Nancy Howland, whom she was close with.
Judy’s family will celebrate her life privately, but if desired, donations can be made payable to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted through Wise Funeral Service. Memories are encouraged to be shared on her guestbook page at www.wisefuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Deb Mason
September 22, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Judy's passing. She was a very special lady and friend and I loved her dearly. Sending prayers for comfort to the Family,
Mindy Ritzhaupt
September 19, 2025
What a sweet lady. Knew her through community activities and through Quality Printing. I send my thoughts and prayers to the family.
Sandy Laipply
September 18, 2025
Judy and I met thru both our children´s sports and our businesses. We always enjoyed charring for a few minutes. Bob and I extend deepest sympathy to
Judy´s family.
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