Judith Cairns

Judith Ann “Judy” Cairns, 83, of New Philadelphia passed away peacefully in the care of Truman House on May 25, 2024 following a lengthy illness.

Born July 14, 1940 in St. Louis, Missouri, Judy was the daughter of the late James Albert and Iladee Bealmer (Hardesty) Hake.

After graduating from South High School in Denver, Colorado, she and her husband of 64 years, Craig Cairns wed on October 23, 1960.  Together, while Craig served in the US Air Force, they lived in several communities throughout the United States and overseas.   Judy served with the United States government in the intelligence division both in the states and overseas. She continued her employment with I.T.T./F.E.C at Vandenburg Air Force Base until her retirement.

Education was of great importance to Judy. Many years after joining the professional workforce, she completed her bachelor degree with University of LaVerne in California. She was a proud member of the Tuscarawas County College Club later in life.

Once retiring to New Philadelphia, Craig and Judy became active members at the First United Methodist Church. Judy also loved to research genealogy and was an active participant with the Ohio Genealogical Society for more than 15 years. Additionally, she was involved with the Daughters of the American Revolution. Throughout her lifetime, she was a prayer warrior and was a “Mother” to everyone.

Judy was deeply loved by her husband, Craig; her daughters, Joan (Jeff) Druessel of Centreville, Virginia, and Christine (Greg) Collins of Dallas, Texas; her grandson, James Druessel.  

In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in passing by her sister, Joyce Ann Hawthorne.

Visitation will be held in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover on Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. A service celebrating Judy’s life will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia. Burial will follow in Pugh-Kent Cemetery in Nottingham Township.

Memorial contributions in Judy’s memory may be directed to either LifeWay Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or the American Cancer Society, https://donate.cancer.org.