Judith Barch

Judith Barch, age 83, a longtime resident of Conneaut, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26, 2026, from complications of vascular dementia. She died at the home of her daughter, Lori and Bill Melnik, in Ostrander, Ohio, surrounded by the warmth and love of her family.

Born August 8, 1942, in Erie, Pennsylvania, Judy was the youngest child of Charles F. (Fred) and Kathryn (Kate) Arneman. A graduate of McDowell High School, Judy's life changed while attending California State Teacher's College, where she met her husband, Edward Barch. They shared a devoted marriage of 53 years until Ed's passing in 2016.

Judy was a woman of persistence and a lifelong learner. After pausing her college education to raise her four children, she returned to the classroom via night school, successfully earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees. She shared her love of learning over many years as a teacher with the Conneaut Area City Schools until her retirement.

A Conneaut resident for over 50 years, Judy was a faithful member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for over six decades. She found great joy and friendship within her quilting group, preparing Nisua Bread, and folding church bulletins. She also cherished the camaraderie of her TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) chapter.

Judy's competitive and playful spirit shone brightest over a deck of cards. Whether it was "penny ante" poker with family or weekly "Hand and Foot" marathon afternoons with friends, she ensured the tradition lived on by teaching her children and grandchildren her favorite games. She and Ed also shared a passion for antiquing, hunting for silhouettes and blue glass - hobbies that eventually turned Judy into a savvy early eBay seller with Ed as the head of the shipping department.

An avid traveler, Judy cherished exploring new places and believed the best way to see the world was with a full ship. She delighted in organizing family cruises, bringing her loved ones together to share in new adventures and create lasting memories across the globe.

In 2021, Judy moved to Columbus to be closer to her family. Affectionately known as "Nana," she had a rare gift for making each of her grandchildren feel uniquely special. In her final months, she was blessed with extraordinary, loving care from Lori and Bill, allowing her to spend her final days in comfort within the familiar sounds of a family home.

Judy is survived by her children: Kathryn (Brian) Cook of Rochester, MN; Lori (Bill Melnik) Barch of Ostrander, OH; Edward Barch of Columbus, OH; and Lisa Kiwala of Eastlake, OH. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Olivia (Kenneth) Mende, Anna (Eric Chang) Cook, Adam Chandler, and Lindsay (Kevin Whetzel) Kiwala; and two great-grandchildren, Henry and Lily Mende.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed; her parents; her siblings and their spouses, Dr. Dana (Jill) Arneman and Janice (David) Cooper; and her son-in-law, Mark Kiwala.

To honor Judy's vibrant spirit, the family requests that guests wear her favorite color, purple, to the services.

Calling hours will be held Friday, January 30, 2026 from 4 PM to 6 PM at the Thompson-Smith-Nesbitt Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Conneaut.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 10 AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 876 Grove St., Conneaut. Burial will follow the service at Laurel Hill Cemetery, 4523 Love Rd., Erie, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Abiding Memorial.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.thompsonsmithnesbitt.com