Obituaries

Judith Ann Sondergeld-Artiaga entered into our Lord’s loving arms on Sunday March 30, 2025. Judi was only 67 years old when she was suddenly and unexpectedly taken from us.

Mom loved some good classic rock, camping by the lake, watching for her orioles and other birds, her tireless searches for beach glass, watching sunrises, relaxing in her hot tub at night and taking care of her kitties but what she lived for was to love, serve, and take care of her family, particularly her grandchildren Kendrick and Madelyne, whom she adored more than anything.

Mom loved her “little yellow house” and was so proud to have worked to build it and have a home for her “little family”. She was meticulous with her home appearance, always perfectly decorated for each season and it was so cozy and welcoming for all who entered. Mom always had a healthy snack whipped up for entertaining, also canned and baked for each season. She cooked the best meals, always asked if we had any “special requests” and holidays prepared a feast complete with an entire table of appetizers and desserts and a different table scape each year. Her recipes can be duplicated but will never taste the same because she cooked with her love, an ingredient we will never have on Earth again. If you ever had any of her food, you know she loved you too.

She loved to have fun and hang with her family and ‘friends’ that she considered family as well. Playing games, eating with friends, trying new recipes, going places and experiencing events and she looked forward to ideas on what to do next. She noticed beauty in all things around her and made everything fun. Hocking Hills, Amish country and Mohican were among some of her favorite places to vacation. She made sure that her little family got to share in her delight at those places and we loved them too, she would build up excitement prior to going. She loved the Nutcracker ballet, watching Kendrick play basketball and Madelyne in marching band. Mom was always busy but always had time for her little family.

Born in Oregon, Ohio on April 27, 1957 to Gordon and Betty Sondergeld, Mom grew up in Graytown, Ohio with her mother, father, and four siblings (plus a sister in heaven). She lived in Oak Harbor, Ohio with her husband Rick and daughter Jodi. She warmly welcomed Jodi’s husband Christopher 24 years ago when they were wed and loved him as her own son. She and Dad were looking forward to celebrating their 50th anniversary this year in June.

She primarily worked for Riverview Industries Inc., helping others in her community in her role as a social worker. She strived to make certain that individuals with mental and physical disabilities were treated with respect and maintained their dignity. She created an art studio after long diligent research to make it just right for the people with disabilities and their works were so creative they began to sell- the program she titled Imagine Art. She collaborated with businesses to hire individuals with disabilities and worked alongside them to train them for the job, even started a cleaning business and received a contract with the State of Ohio, she researched and through donations was able to establish a sensory room to help people navigate their emotions. Their families were so appreciative of all her efforts. After 30 years of service there, she retired.

Mom was a beautiful person; she had a wonderful soul and servant heart. She was always healthy, ate her rainbow of foods daily, exercised, read, radiated natural beauty, and you could feel her warmth and love in her presence. She always had a hug ready. I loved my Mom and I miss her. While we grieve her loss to us on Earth, we believe that she is with God the Father and is surrounded by all that is beautiful. We know each sunrise is a kiss and hug sent from her in Heaven and we will one day be happily together again. She was a wife, mother, and Nana who will be greatly missed but forever loved and cherished by her little family.

Friends and family will be received Monday, April 7, 2025 from 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 313 Main St., Genoa, Ohio inside the sanctuary of the church. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 A.M. Luncheon will be served at church immediately following service.

Recommended florist is Bartz Viviano: 419-474-1600. Send flowers to: Walker Funeral Home- Witzler-Shank Chapel, 222 E. South Boundary St., Perrysburg, Ohio 43551.

*** Note there is no visitation at the funeral home***

Donations may be made to: Ottawa County Humane Society

humanesocietyofottawacounty.org

The family has requested to have a private burial which will be held at Clay Township Cemetery.

Online condolences may be left to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.