Judith Surprise

Judy Surprise was born in Gary, Indiana to Russell and Fannie High. She was the fourth of their five children. She got her start playing for church at the Gary Glen Park Church of the Nazarene. This was the beginning of 60 years of playing for services, various choirs, school programs, and many soloists. Judy was also involved in various activities of the church. Two highlights were sponsoring Teen Pal with her husband and playing piano for the New Destiny Singers, a teen choir in the 70's. After graduating high school, she took some classes at the American Conservatory of Music and went to work for the Gary Screw and Bolt Corporation. This is where she met the love of her life, Ken, aka Bob, Surprise. After a short courtship, he proposed on Valentine's Day 1955 and they were married exactly 6 months later. When they bought their first home on Marshall St. in Merrillville, IN, little did they know of all the chaos, people, parties, love, and laughter that house would contain. Judy taught piano lessons in that house for over 20 years and warmly welcomed friends and family who dropped by. For those of you who knew her then, you remember the friendly chaos. Eventually Bob and Judy moved to Florida where their homes were also filled with people, parties, love, and laughter, with a little less chaos. She was the "hostess with the mostest." Judy started a new career at the Edison Ford Estates in Fort Myers and worked her way up from tour guide to director. She finally retired in 2001 to spend time with Bob and family. While life was not the same after the death of her husband of 65 years, she still welcomed family, friends, friends and their dogs, and sometimes just the dogs for an afternoon visit. She even hosted a party here and there. Now, she is celebrating in heaven. If they have parties there, I know Judy is up on her feet making sure everyone has something to eat and drink. Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Ken Surprise, her parents, Russell and Fannie High, her sister Norma Kirkpatrick and husband Ken, her brother Vic High and wife Olive, her brother Don High and his wife Nancy, and her younger sister Karen Oliver. She leaves behind her only child, Lori Welton, her only grandchild, Amy Welton along with her brother-in-law Jon Surprise and his wife Maxine and her brother-in-law Ken Oliver. There are numerous nieces, nephews, and friends, as well. A Celebration of Life is being planned and details will be provided when available.