Judy A. (Fulton) Farney

Judy Anne Fulton Farney, 71, of Rio Grande, Ohio, passed away on November 5, 2024, in Gallipolis, Ohio. Her family takes comfort in knowing that Judy’s final days were peaceful and filled with the quiet grace that defined her life.

Born on November 17, 1952, in Jenkins, Kentucky, Judy was the daughter of the late Claude and Pricey (Bentley) Fulton. Growing up in the Appalachian hills, she developed a deep love for the beauty of nature and a lifelong appreciation for language. As a child, she was drawn to the power of words—how they could tell stories, stir the soul, and ignite the imagination. This love of literature would become a guiding force throughout her life, and it was in the works of Shakespeare that she found particular solace and inspiration. Much like the timeless characters she admired, Judy was thoughtful, compassionate, and full of wisdom, often contemplating the deeper meanings of life and the world around her.

Judy’s love for the written word translated into a rewarding career as an English teacher. For many years, she guided students through the works of literary giants, from Shakespeare to modern classics, igniting their own love for language. Whether analyzing a sonnet, diagramming sentences, or discussing a passage from “Macbeth”, Judy’s passion for literature was infectious. She saw the power of words to change lives, and she made it her life’s mission to help students discover that same power within themselves. Her legacy as a teacher, one of kindness, encouragement, and intellect, will live on in the many students whose lives she touched.

Outside of the classroom, Judy had a lifelong love for horses—creatures that shared her elegance and strength. She found peace in their presence, whether riding, caring for them, or simply watching them roam. The connection she had with horses was profound, offering her a sense of calm and contentment that mirrored her quiet, steady nature.

Judy is survived by her daughters, Kristen (Brian) Mershon, Gabriella (Josh Lewis) Farney, and Claudia (Dalton) Call; her grandchildren, Kody Mershon, Isabella Mershon, Nicholas Piazza, Jordan Harrow, Riley Call, and baby Call arriving late Spring of 2025; her brother, Donald Fulton, and his wife, Karen, of Coalton, Ohio as well as two nieces, Shannon (Jeff) McKnight and Tabitha Fulton; a nephew, John Paul “J.P.” Fulton; cousins, and many dear friends who will remember her warmth, intelligence, and unshakable love for her family.

A funeral service celebrating Judy’s life will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., in the chapel of R.M. Williams Funeral Service, 120 W. Broadway St., Wellston, with Rev. Dale Geiser officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Judy A. Farney Scholarship for Education, C/O Ohio Valley Bank.

Judy’s life was a story of love, learning, and strength. Her devotion to family, her students, and her horses will be remembered as part of her enduring legacy. Like the most beloved works of literature, Judy’s spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew her, forever cherished and never forgotten. May she rest in peace, her memory forever etched in the pages of our hearts.

Please visit www.rmwilliamsfuneralservice.com to leave a message of comfort, encouragement, or condolence to the family or to view Judy’s online video tribute.

R.M. Williams Funeral Service, Wellston, is honored to care for Judy and her family.