Judith Ann “Judy” (Petty) Healton, 81, of West Lafayette, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, at Franciscan Health Lafayette.
Born on February 5, 1943, in New Castle, Indiana, to Delmar and Blanche (Paddock) Petty, Judy lived a life marked by intellectual curiosity and international connections. She grew up in Dublin, Indiana, and attended the Hagerstown Church of the Brethren. She developed a passion for cultural exchange early in life. During her high school years, she spent her junior year studying in Germany, where she formed lifelong friendships that inspired her to return for further studies while completing her degree at Purdue University in 2008 at the age of 70.
Her career in engineering and drafting education at the university level allowed her to share her knowledge and expertise with countless students. Throughout her life, Judy continued to embrace cultural diversity by opening her home to foreign exchange students, enriching both their lives and her own. Her interests were wide-ranging, including the study of traditional Chinese medicine, and she was known for her love of cats.
Judy is survived by her son, Curtis Healton (Valerie); siblings Marj Briar, Kathy Meashey, Mike Petty and Jim Petty; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many friends both in the United States and abroad.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 29, at 2 p.m. at the Nettle Creek Church of the Brethren in Hagerstown, Indiana.