Judith Ann Yarnelle

Judith Ann Yarnelle, 88, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully surrounded by cherished loved ones on July 22, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center. 

She was born on March 2, 1938, in Fort Wayne, to the late Gerald and Martha (Lill) Kramer. A beloved sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, Judith spent her formative years in Fort Wayne and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1956. 

She was united in marriage to James "Port" Yarnelle, Jr. on June 22, 1957, at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, he preceded her in death on July 2, 2002, after 45 years of marriage. 

Judith had spent 20 years dedicated to helping the special needs kids in Fort Wayne Community Schools, serving as a bus driver. She was dedicated to the needs of those that need help the most. Mom’s faith was central to her life and how she viewed the world. She went to mass twice a week thanks to thoughtful and kind neighbors, friends driving her, she said the rosary every day without fail. She read several prayer cards and called out by name her children, 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren as well as one on the way as she sought Gods intervention in their lives for the better.

Judith's life was filled with passions and hobbies that reflected her nurturing spirit. She had a profound love for horses, dedicating many hours to riding and caring for them, showing at 4H events and Paint Horse shows earning many trips to the Indiana State Fair, with Ann, Amy and Mollie, the manure, hay and barn repairs were handled by the boys and dad. She enjoyed taking long walks with her dog Annie, she spent many pain staking hours creating beautiful quilts with her quilt club The Sewing Genies, making well over 100 quilts herself while only having the full use of her left hand, cultivating vibrant flower gardens, and feeding and watching birds, She was especially fond of her Bluebirds and the nests they built in their little home, a passion she shared with her son Philip, calling him any time she would see the baby chicks start to peek out. 

Judith is survived by her daughters, Amy (Jeff) Dant and Mollie (Jess) Welch; her son, Michael Yarnelle; a daughter-in-law, Marla Sue Yarnelle; and her siblings, Stephen (Rosalie) Kramer, Laura (Dan) Pike, and Mary Ellen (Gary) Horning. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Peg Kramer; her 15 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren with one on the way. 

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Philip J. Yarnelle; a daughter, Ann Marie Yarnelle; brother Gerald Kramer, Jr. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, with calling on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Huntertown Chapel, from 10:00 to 12:00.

Burial will follow the funeral Mass, in the Highland Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Allen County Humane Society or the Shepherd's House.