Judith L. Sowder

Judith “Judy” Freers Sowder passed away on May 11, 2023. She was a 1956 graduate of Sycamore High School. She married that same year and moved to El Paso, Texas with her husband, Ben Sowder, who was serving in the United States Army. After returning to Ohio, they settled in Mason, Ohio. She had 2 daughters and spent many years greatly involved in their extra-curricular activities as a band parent, soft-ball coach and Girl Scout leader. Judy explored a variety or careers while raising the girls but eventually, became the Freedom of Information Act Specialist with the Cincinnati branch of the Environmental Protection Agency. She retired from the government after several years of service.

Judy is survived by her husband of 66 years, Ben Sowder of West Chester, Ohio, their 2 daughters; Wendy Wippel and Deborah (Ron) Tilley and 4 grandchildren; Sarah Wippel, Abby Wippel, Benjamin (Kendall) Tilley and Hope Tilley and 2 great-grandchildren; Stella Tilley and Emerson Tilley. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara (Vince) Festa, brothers; Steve (Lori) Freers, Tom Freers and Todd Freers and many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Holmes, her father, Rick Freers and 2 sisters; Cathy Jones and Nancy Jones and son-in-law, Jeff Wippel. Her kind heart, adventurous spirit and sense of humor will be greatly missed.

Friends and Family are invited to join us at the Hodapp Funeral Home, 8815 Cincinnati-Columbus Rd, West Chester, Ohio 45069 on Tuesday, May 16th. Visitation will take place from 5:00pm-7:00pm, followed by a service at 7:00pm. A private family burial will take place on Wednesday May 17th  at 11:00 am at West Chester Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Girl Scouts of Southwest Ohio by visiting www.gswo.org and following the “donate” link.