Judith Annette Epp, 76

The world became infinitely more interesting the day Judith Annette Epp arrived in Indianapolis on New Year's Day, 1949. It's fitting that she was born at the very start of a year; Judi never waited for life to happen. She planned it, executed it, occasionally bedazzled it, and then invited everyone else in.

Judi grew up in Indianapolis, later dedicating many years to AT&T before deciding early retirement sounded better than corporate conference calls. Retirement, for Judi, was not an exit - just a costume change. She poured her energy into volunteerism across countless causes, but her heart found its truest home co-founding Spencer Pride, Inc.

For two decades, Judi was the kind of leader nonprofits dream of and spreadsheets fear. She did everything - fundraising, secretarial finesse, treasurer wizardry - and then helped decide that transforming a historic building into the Spencer Pride commUnity center sounded like fun. She spent her final years spearheading its renovation, including the installation of its shiny new elevator this October. Yes, Judi literally helped our community rise.

Judi believed that life should be lived beautifully and that nails should be maintained accordingly. When she wasn't improving the world, she enjoyed the quiet joy of her lakeside home, a mani-pedi that put diamonds to shame, time with family (dogs absolutely included), a good book, and the fine art of spoiling her grandson, Truman.

She was preceded in death by her beloved wife Beverly Camden, and leaves behind her wife Lucie Mathieu, her son Jacob Balash and his husband Jonathan Balash, and the grandson she adored, Truman Balash. Judi didn't just love her family - she curated experiences for them, as though life itself were her favorite hobby.

Judi died on November 25, 2025, in Bloomington, surrounded by those who loved her fiercely. She left detailed instructions - naturally - that her farewell be a Celebration of Life, held not in hushed tones but in the ballroom of the Spencer Pride commUnity Center. In perfect Judi fashion, she requested it serve as a fundraiser. The celebration will take place Saturday, December 20, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern, and attendees are encouraged to come honor Judi.

If you wish to honor Judi's legacy, donations can be made to the Spencer Pride Fund at the Owen County Community Foundation. Flowers are lovely, but Judi was allergic to them and always preferred helping a community bloom.

Judi was a hard worker, a committed fundraiser, and a game changer - not just for Spencer Pride, but for anyone lucky enough to orbit her. Her absence leaves a void; her example leaves marching orders.