Judith Johnson Zinn

Judy was born January 13,1936 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Robert and Alice Johnson. She died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, March 16, 2026. She was 90 years old.

Judy graduated from Broad Ripple High School in 1953 and Indiana University in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She passed the state licensing test and became a Registered Nurse. Judy married Robert (Bob) S. Zinn, Jr in December of 1956. They have three children, David, Elizabeth (Betsy) and Deborah (Debbie).

Judy was a long-time member of Meridian Street United Methodist Church. She and Bob joined the church in 1960. Judy was active in the Women's Auxiliary and helped with events like Pumpkins to Poinsettias and Williamsburg Dinners. She was part of the Literary Ladies, a widow’s group, Circle 1 book study, and she helped serve coffee, tea, and cookies in the parlor following Sunday worship services. Judy and Bob were active in the young couple’s group at the church. The three children have fond memories of their parents’ square dancing in Fellowship Hall on Friday evenings.

Judy was a member of Day Learning Auxiliary, formerly known as Day Nursery Auxiliary. She held many positions with this service organization including president and co-chairwoman of the 500 mile race program that the organization sold during the 500 parade as a money maker.

Judy and Bob traveled throughout Europe while Bob was stationed in Germany as a lieutenant in the United States Army Finance Department. She and Bob continued to travel after their children were grown. Judy traveled with friends after the death of Bob in 1991. She would tell wonderful stories and show off her pictures of her travels all over the world.

Judy worked as a Registered Nurse at St. Vincent Hospital in orthopedics once her children were grown. She also worked as a clinical instructor at Ivy Tech in the LPN program. Later in life, Judy made a change and decided that she wanted to work with “pretty things”. She enjoyed working at The Acorn shop, a women’s boutique at Keystone at the Crossing.

Family and friends were important to Judy. She felt it was important to keep in contact with all her family members and what was happening in their lives. Numerous family and friends have commented that Judy was an instrumental help when they were going through a difficult time. She showed up and did whatever needed to be done in the home or for the family. This commitment to family continued when she moved to Hoosier Village in the Deercrest building 15 years ago. Judy made multiple friends that became like family to her. She was often seen welcoming visitors and helping fellow residents. Numerous Hoosier Village neighbors counted on Judy for quick help when they needed a blood pressure check, a dressing change or help with a health decision.

Judy enjoyed gardening and was known for having a beautiful flower garden wherever she lived. She was an accomplished seamstress and sewed her clothing and clothing for her daughters. Judy enjoyed feeding the birds and could name each bird that would come to her feeder.

Judy is survived by her brother Gary (Janet) Johnson, children David (Cheryl) Zinn, Betsy Butz, Debbie (Todd) Leak, 13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Alice Johnson, brothers Allen and Bill Johnson and son-in-law Bill Butz.

Services are private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of the following charitable organizations: 

Smile Train – an organization that repairs cleft lip and palate of children in underserved countries.https://www.smiletrain.org 

Heifer International – an organization that provides mentoring and seed livestock or agriculture investment around the world. The goal is to end hunger and poverty by creating change from the ground up.https://www.heifer.org