Judith Botkin

Judith Botkin, age 83, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Rollin Albert III and Mary Louise Haddock alongside her sister, Barbara Pastorius (Tom). Judy and Barb were a small but mighty force. They had that Pittsburgh grit- the kind you earn from walking up and down those steep hills to and from school every day ("in three feet of snow!). That determination and strength carried Judy through her entire life.

From Pittsburgh, Judy moved to France while her first husband, Ralph Goldbach, served in the military. It was there that she welcomed her first child, Carie. Later, she made her home in Chillicothe and Columbus, Ohio, before spending her later years in the Cleveland area.

Judy was the beloved wife of the late John Botkin, with whom she shared a mutual love for gardening and all things that grew from the soil. She worked tirelessly as a single mother, raising her children with strength, creativity, and devotion. She is survived by her children, Rafe Goldbach (Linda) and Amy Whetzel (Scott). She was preceded in death by her daughter, Carie Lynn.

The greatest joy of Judy's life was being a grandmother. Nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with her grandchildren, Hannah Goldbach, Eva Goldbach, Zack Whetzel, and Rylee Whetzel who were truly the light of her life.

Judy's passions reflected her generous, creative spirit. She loved gardening, tending to vegetables and flowers with care and patience. She enjoyed coffee, camping, birdwatching, playing cards & games, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and The Ohio State Buckeyes, more coffee, sewing & knitting the colorful outfits her children remember so well. She even was a self-proclaimed hairdresser at times for her young kids which can be seen while leafing through old albums. A lifelong reader, she especially treasured the feel and scent of library books.

Her family will be celebrating Judy's life privately. For those who wish to honor her memory, please consider planting a tree or flowers.