Judy Kay Koontz, age 81, passed away on June 19, 2026, one day after celebrating her 60th wedding anniversary, with her family lovingly at her side.
Born in Greensburg, Indiana, to Kathleen and Ronald Busse, Judy lived a life filled with joy, compassion, and an endless smile that warmed every room she entered. She was well known for telling jokes that were always considered to be “groaners,” and she delighted in sharing them with family and friends.
She married the love of her life, Dr. James Koontz, on June 18, 1966. Together they built a beautiful family and shared a lifetime of adventures, laughter, and devotion. Judy greatly enjoyed the company of Jim’s extended family at reunions, and she especially cherished spending time with all the Duax’s.
Judy was the proud mother of Robert (Kim), Patrick (Hillery), and her infant son Michael Christopher, who preceded her in death. She cherished her grandchildren — Benjamin, Isaac, Morgan (Jacob), Claire, and her great‑grandson Hayden — each one a source of deep pride and happiness.
She is survived by her siblings Jack (Cindy), Rick (Pam), and Jim (Cathy), and was preceded in death by her brother Jerry. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart.
A dedicated nurse, Judy earned her RN in 1965 and served in obstetrics, emergency care, internal medicine, and cardiac surgery. Later, as a school nurse in Vincennes, she found great joy caring for children and always attempted to help as many as possible, offering comfort, kindness, and steady reassurance.
Judy lived life with enthusiasm — from her years in Psi Iota Xi, to her leadership in the Garden Club, to her long service in the Indiana Medical Auxiliary, where she became one of its youngest Presidents.
She attended the Indianapolis 500 for 58 years, loved traveling across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and treasured annual trips with family. She enjoyed going to Disney World so much that the boys once asked if the family could go someplace else on vacation. She also loved the family’s yearly trips to Sanibel, Florida, where she treasured time spent with her siblings and their spouses.
Judy embraced golf with natural grace, once even being asked to let a golf school use her swing as the example of “the perfect golf swing.” She also loved attending professional golf events, and it became another regular family activity she looked forward to each year.
When given the opportunity to drive her own cars on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track, Judy far exceeded the allowed speeds — a story she loved to tell and one her family loved to remember.
In her younger years, Judy briefly tried painting, but she put it aside until after retirement — when she returned to it and enjoyed it tremendously. It turned out she was better than expected. Her highly and brightly decorated high chairs became favorites at many charity auctions.
Judy’s warmth, cheerfulness, and beautiful smile touched everyone who knew her. She will be dearly missed by her husband, her family, and all who were blessed to share in her life.
Friends may visit with Judy’s family from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm est on Tuesday, June 30, 20206 at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home 524 Broadway, Vincennes, IN 47591. A graveside service celebrating Judy’s life will begin at 1:30 pm est on Tuesday at Memorial Park Cemetery, 919 Willow St., Vincennes, IN 47591. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, https://diydiabetes.donordrive.com/campaigns/Judy-Koontz-Memorial. Online memories may be shared with Judy’s family and friends at www.goodwinsieversfh.com. Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is privileged and honored to be entrusted with the care of Judy and her family.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Erin Leigh Shell for her wonderful friendship and care of Judy the past several years. The family is also deeply grateful to the staff at Oak Ridge nursing home for their exceptional care provided in a warm and compassionate manner this year.
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