Judith A. Wells

1942 - 2025

Judith A. "Judy" (Ketenheim) Wells, 83, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, at Westmoreland Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born Oct. 28, 1942, in Cresson. Daughter of the late Kenneth Wayne and Verna Mary (Sherwood) Ketenheim. Judy graduated from Cresson Joint High School Class of 1960, where she played the saxophone in the band and was voted Best All Around by her classmates. She then moved to Washington, DC, with her twin sister, Barb, to work as a secretary for the Department of Agriculture for several years. It was in Washington, DC, at a USO dance where she met the "love of her life," Frank, a U.S. Navy sailor. They married a year later and lived their life as a military family in Maryland, Virginia, West Pittston, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and lastly, Madison, PA. Judy worked and retired from WCCC as an administrative assistant after 39 years of service in the Continuing Education Department. She also managed the GED and summer school programs for many years. Judy was a very involved member of the Madison United Methodist Church as the music director, Sunday school co-chair, and a member of the choir for many years. She was a woman of tremendous faith and was loved by her church family. She implemented the annual wiener roast (which just celebrated its 45th year) at the church each September. Judy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Judy loved her family with her whole heart. She told them often how proud she was of them. She was also a great cook and baker and was known for her apple pies and Christmas cookies. She enjoyed her vegetable garden and canning zucchini relish and pickled beets. She also loved tending to her flowers that adorned her patio. Judy enjoyed watching the Hallmark and LMN channels and listening to hymns and 60s music. Anyone who knew Judy loved her. She welcomed everyone into their home. Judy was blessed with so many friends. Sandy and Marc Tourre have been blessings and constant support. Sylvia and Tom Detar have been so helpful with the heavy lifting. The church ladies, Sandy, Sue, Amy, Linda, Barb, and Darlene, provided unconditional love and support. Pastor Bob Green loved Judy and visited often. Dr. David Steffensen was instrumental in helping Judy overcome many obstacles over the last 23 years. He was so kind and diligent with his care of Judy. Barb and Amber from Visiting Angels provided evening care and companionship so Frank could get some much-needed rest. She was preceded in death by both parents; infant daughter, Melissa Suzanne Wells; nephew, Justin Lumbatis; and brother-in-law, Gary Dinsel. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Franklin J. Wells Jr. of Madison; daughter, Becky (Rick) Parker of Jeannette; son, Barry (Myra) K. Wells of Niceville, FL; 11 grandchildren, Madeline (Jairus), Grace (Daniel), Olivia (Aaron), Kenneth (Katie), Hayla (Troy), Evangeline (Jeremiah), Nora, Sam, Calvin, Virginia, and Charlotte; eight great-grandchildren and two on the way; sisters, Barbara Dinsel (her twin sister) of N. Huntingdon, Sandra (Frank) Dunkle of Everett, Deborah (David) Bonski of Johnstown, and Wendy (David) Pigza of Greensburg; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, at BEATTY-RICH FUNERAL HOME INC., Route 136 Madison, PA 15663 Ronald A. Rich Jr., Supervisor/FD. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, at the Madison United Methodist Church, 258 Main St., Madison, PA 15663, with Rev. Robert Green officiating. Those wishing to attend the funeral service are asked to go directly to the church. The service will be live streamed on Facebook under Madison UMC in Madison. Interment will be private at the Madison Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Judith A. Wells Memorial Fund, Madison United Methodist Church, PO Box 86, Madison, PA 15663. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.beatty-richfuneralhome.com.