Judith M. Busby

Judith M. Busby (Ferris) passed away peacefully on Friday, July 4. She died at home after a brief illness with her husband and daughter close by. Judy was 80 and was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Audrey Ferris and by her son, Chris.

Judy was a native of Harrison County where she spent her childhood, graduated from Cadiz High School, and met her husband and best friend, Gary Busby, to whom she was married for 60 years. They moved to Stark County in 1965 and made Massillon their home. In addition to being Gary’s beloved wife and partner, she was mother to Tim (Kathleen), Chris (Lisa), and Sarah (Charles Crell), grandmother to Andrew (Beth), Matthew, Alexa, Olivia, Elaine (Chad Painter), and Ryan. Judy was a friend to more than can be listed here, and she will be dearly missed by all.

After starting her family, Judy resumed her interrupted nursing studies, became an LPN, and worked in medical practices and care facilities around Stark County. Her empathy, professionalism, and caring demeanor were a comfort to many. Upon retiring, she was a regular volunteer at the Salvation Army in Massillon and a devoted fan of Massillon and Ohio State sports.

Judy was a follower of Jesus, and her faith guided all that she did in life. Her family fondly recalls their visits to her childhood church, Springdale Friends, where her father led the congregation in song and where he would help his grandchildren ring the church bell as she looked on. Most recently, Judy attended Cornerstone Baptist Church in Massillon.

There will be a memorial gathering at Paquelet Funeral Home on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Salvation Army of Massillon.

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