Judy Denney Obituary

Judy Amber Denney

Sep 7, 1945 - Mar 30, 2023

Norwalk

Judith A. "Judy" Denney, 77, of Norwalk, passed away peacefully March 30, 2023, at her home after a 13-week illness.

She was born Sept. 7, 1945, in Findlay, to the late Thomas and Elsie (Dorner) Miles. She graduated from Liberty-Benton High School in 1963.

Judy first met her husband, Gene, at a church camp, where she volunteered as a camp counselor and he was a part-time employee. Their first chance meeting, Judy offered to help Gene fold an American flag and the rest was history. They were married June 5, 1965. After a business trip to England, Judy and Gene were inspired to start a bed and breakfast in Norwalk. In 1996, they opened Georgian Manor Inn. The Inn was a perfect collaboration of Gene's business sense and Judy's exquisite taste in decorations and extraordinary culinary skills. The elegant inn, since 2000, was awarded the "AAA Four Diamond Lodging" distinction and in 2021, received its consecutive "Four Diamond Award," placing itself among a very select small group of only 18 Ohio lodgings in 2021 to receive the award. Over the years, the couple hosted several special guests, but one of the most notable was Walter Scheib, a Former White House Executive Chef, from 1994-2005. After his stay, and after watching Judy prepare breakfast one morning, he sent her his signed cookbook stating, "This is the most wonderful and hospitable home I have ever stayed. Thank you for your kindness and exceptional food."

Judy was an avid reader, especially when it came to U.S. Presidents, the British Monarchy, and First Ladies. She and Gene visited 15 U.S. Presidential sites.

Judy is survived by her husband, Gene Denney of Norwalk; their daughter, Holly Denney (Kenneth Kneuss) of Mansfield; grandchildren, Katherine, Jack, Maxwell, and Sheldon; great-grandchildren, Bentley, Oakley, Jayde, and Rubey Amber; brother, Denny (Sandy) Miles of Findlay; and several loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, John Miles.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 W. Main St., Norwalk. Judy's graveside service will be 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at Elm Grove Cemetery, 631 Greenville Rd., St. Marys.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com.