Judith A Genrich

Judith Ann (Spencer) Genrich was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on Valentine’s Day 1936, and was called to be with the Lord on Thanksgiving Day 2021. Judy was the oldest of six children born to William and Mildred (Burgin) Spencer. She was a graduate of Arsenal Technical High School and briefly attended Butler University. Judy began her professional career working as a telephone operator at Indiana Bell Telephone where she met the Love of Her Life and husband of almost 65 years: Allen Genrich. Judy and Allen had four children and in the mid-1960s with all four under the age of eight, Judy decided to re-enter the workforce. Working for southside realtor, Judy and her friend and former next-door neighbor, Janet Bartram were early pioneers in the concept of job sharing. Judy and Janet’s execution was so seamless that the Security Guard at the bank where Allen worked was convinced that Allen had two wives and 18 children!
Long before HGTV, Judy and Allen were accomplished house flippers. In 1968, they purchased a large fixer-upper in Irvington, a community located on the eastside of Indianapolis. The family set down roots there for many years and joined Downey Ave Christian Church. Judy had a servant’s heart and throughout her life was always looking for ways to help others. In the mid-1970s, Judy served as PTA Board President the same year that the Indianapolis Public Schools implemented court-ordered busing. Judy worked tirelessly to make sure that the families which were bused to her sons’ school felt welcomed and included. Judy was also on the PTCO Board at the Indiana School for the Deaf where her daughter was a student. The PTCO Board forged a relationship with the late State Senator Charles Bosma and was successful in securing additional funding for the Deaf School which had seen its student enrollment dramatically increase because of the 1964 Rubella Epidemic.
In the 1980s, Judy returned to college and earned her bachelor’s degree from the Indiana University School of Continuing Studies. Judy also rekindled her real estate career, but this time she chose to team up with her husband, Allen. She loved working with first-time home buyers and helped many people who did not think they would be able to purchase their first home.
One of Judy’s most cherished memories was helping the Bosnian refugee families that were sponsored by Downey Ave Christian Church adjust to life in America. Well into her 80s, Judy continued to serve others working in the food pantries at both Downey Ave Christian Church and Parrish United Methodist Church in Florida along with numerous other volunteer activities.
Judy loved reading, playing cards, sewing, and quilting, but her favorite pastime was dancing with Allen: square dancing, line dancing, boot scooting, and ballroom dancing. Judy and Allen danced them all.
Lovingly known as “Momma G”, Judy’s frugality was legendary. She was able to stretch a dollar far beyond its natural limits. Judy loved a bargain and never missed an opportunity to use a coupon. She loved searching the thrift stores of Indiana and Florida in search of deals. Many a family dinner resembled the miracle of the seven loaves as Judy always managed to prepare enough food to feed her family of six along with whatever number of extra mouths happened to show up at dinnertime. On Christmas, she made sure there was a present under the tree for the surprise guest who had no place to go on Christmas Day.
Judy is preceded in death by her husband, Allen, parents, her brother, William Spencer, and sisters, Rebecca Streeter and Patricia Schlom. Judy is survived by her sister Linda (Lee) Guyer, brother, Robert Spencer, children, Jeff (Linda), Steve (Darlie), Greg (Stephanie), and Laura (Tom) Genrich-Perkins, nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Final Arrangements have been entrusted to Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East and friends are encouraged to visit the online guestbook at www.flannerbuchanan.com. There will be private service for the family. A Celebration of Life for both Allen and Judy will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021, from 3-5 pm at Washington Park East. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking friends to make a donation to the Downey Avenue Memorial Garden Fund in Judy’s memory (www.downeyave.com) or to their favorite food pantry.