Judith Ann Grove

Grove – Judith Ann, 81, Johnstown, went to be with the Lord on January 28, 2021. Born on June 25, 1939 in East Conemaugh, daughter of Charles Sr. and Evelyn (McCarty) Rugh. Preceded in death by her parents; her1st husband, Ronald L. Ashurst; and her 2nd husband, Clair B. Grove; two brothers, Charles "Chizzy" Rugh Jr., William Rugh, and granddaughter, Olivia Red. She is survived by her loving children, Tracy L (Ashurst) Del Vecchio and husband, Kenneth Del Vecchio, FL, Joy L. Ashurst and her partner, Debora Thomas, East Taylor Township, and son Daren V. Ashurst, married to the former Aileen Cabuhat, Mineral Point PA; grandchildren, Nicole Buchan Levis and Fiance', Joseph Antal, East Taylor Township, Stephanie Buchan Urban and her husband, Will Urban, East Taylor Township, Michael Red, married to the former Chelsea Sauvering, St. Petersburg, FL, Vanessa, Laila, and Mia Ashurst; great grandchildren, Isaac, Blake and Luke Levis, Gage and Peyton Urban, and Kalee and Lilliana Red; and her brother, David (Laura) Rugh Sr. Dunellon FL, and several nieces and nephews. Judith Ann graduated in 1957 from Johnstown High School, married and raised three children, and in her 40's she went back to school and earned a B.S. Degree from Conemaugh School of Nursing. She retired in 2004 from Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center after 40 years of service as an LPN. She was encouraged to further her education by staff and administration at Conemaugh Hospital many times to get her RN, but she refused because she said her vocation was to work more closely with the patients. Judy was a happy, outgoing, positive person. Everyone called her "Groovy Grovey" because of her lifelong love of Elvis. She was a "doer", a "solution finder". Judy was the one who always made you smile. She was the one you came to if you had a problem or a burden. From her mother Evelyn, she learned the joy and reward of the attitude "I'll carry your burden, you carry mine."  Over the years she loved going on vacation with her family and friends, she enjoyed taking her kids to the beach, dancing, walks in the woods, bird watching, and she loved Pennsylvania. She loved the mountains and woods, she loved the plants and animals here, she had her own "thinking tree" which she shared with her grandchildren, and she loved playing outside in all seasons. She spent her entire life helping others, and after 40 years of serving the community as a nurse, she spent her retirement taking care of her life long friends. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease 8 years ago, and her daughter Joy cared for her the entire time. Joy and her siblings made Judy's journey through Alzheimer's another lesson in love and dignity. Joy created for her a safe and happy place at home. That debt can never be repaid. Friends will be received from 3-7 p.m. on Wednesday February 3, 2021 and from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Thursday February 4, 2021 at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, with the Rev. Craig Gaunt officiating. Inurnment will be at Headrick Union Cemetery immediately afterwards. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com. Cremation by Laurel Highlands Crematory at Harris Funeral Home. Her children suggest donations be made to The Alzheimer's Association at www.act.alz.org/donate  as it is our hope to someday find a cure; or you can donate to The LivRed Foundation, named in memory of her granddaughter  Olivia Red, who was killed by a drunk driver in 2018 and whose mission is to put good out into our communities, and to inspire random acts of kindness as effortless and habitual, much like Judy herself lived her life. You can donate to give back to your community at thelivredfoundation.org.