1247623_profile_picJudy A. Shields, 74, of Nappanee, Ind., and formerly of Laporte, Ind., passed away at 6:50 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17, after fighting against cancer at Goshen Hospital where she had been since Saturday.

She was born on July 18, 1939, in Stark County, Ind. She moved to Nappanee in 1972 from Kingsford Heights. She married Larry Shields on July 20, 1957, in Kingsford Heights. He preceded her in death.

Judy was an active member at First Mennonite Church in Nappanee. She loved to play Bingo and she enjoyed visiting with people, especially with her family. She worked in retail sales and for the city of Nappanee.

She is survived by her children: Connie (Jerry) Swihart, Mel (Jill) Shields, Jeffrey Shields and Thomas (Traci) Shields, all of Nappanee; Michael Shields, Warsaw, Ind.; grandchildren: Matthew (Alison) Swihart, Corinne (Jeff) Hertsel, Trevor (Jessie) Shields, Brandon Shields and Brittani Shields; great-grandchildren: Evan Matthew Swihart, Naomi Hertsel, Elijah Hertsel and Cameron David Swihart; an unborn great-grandson; and brother: Leroy (Chris) Mevis, Nappanee.

She was preceded in death by a sister: Rhea Mevis; and her parents.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at First Mennonite Church. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at the First Mennonite Church. Reverend Janet McFall-Brown will officiate. Burial will follow at South Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to First Mennonite Church or to the Goshen Cancer Center at IU Health Goshen Hospital.