Judith Stinson

Judith (Judi) Grotrian Stinson, 82, passed away unexpectedly on April 1, 2025. Born on September 16, 1942, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Oscar and Lora Grotrian. Judi was a bright light who lived with an infectious enthusiasm for life. Her adventurous spirit meant she was always ready for anything—“ Sure—when ?” was her signature response.

Judi graduated from New Haven High School, where she met the love of her life, Phil. Their remarkable journey together spanned 61 years—filled with laughter, love, and countless adventures until his passing last October.

After high school, she began her career at the VA in the accounting office before joining International Harvester’s Parts Distribution Center, where she worked for over 20 years. Judi and Phil loved their “Harvester Family” and took part in the company’s golf and bowling leagues. When they joined the Harvester Ski Club, they learned to ski at Cannonsburg, sparking a lifelong love of the sport they shared with their kids. When her department left Fort Wayne, Judi pivoted into real estate—what began as helping Harvester friends through transitions turned into a legendary career. She spent 24 years at Century 21 Bradley before helping launch North Eastern Group Realty, where she worked for another 11 years. Judi’s attention to detail, deep integrity, and genuine care for people made her more than just an agent—she was a trusted advisor, advocate, and cheerleader for her clients.

Judi’s energy was unmatched. She somehow found time every morning to tend to her. flower beds, get in a workout at Spiece, and then hit the ground running with work and activities. In the early days of marriage and motherhood, she was also a talented seamstress—sewing Phil’s shirts and jackets, and crafting Brad and Lori’s tap dance recital outfits.

Judi was a proud member of the Fort Wayne Women’s Golf Association, FWWGA, for over 50 years and recipient of the Marcy Griffin Spirit Award in 2022. She was also a founding member of the LPGA Amateurs (formerly EWGA) in 2008. In memory of Judi Stinson's unwavering dedication and vibrant spirit, the LPGA Amateurs established the Judi Stinson Participation Award which will continue to honor her legacy by recognizing members who embody her passion for participation. Whether she was on the course or dancing to Elvis with Phil, Judi loved to move, laugh, and connect.

Judi was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Phil. She is survived by her adoring family: son Brad Stinson, daughter Lori Stinson (Lea Smith), and granddaughter Addie Stinson (Nate Goss); brother Denny (Susan) Grotrian; sister-in-law Bonnie (John) Hess; brother-in-law Sam Stinson; sister-in-law Joyce Sines; nieces Sarah (Tom) Williams and Gretchen (Paul) Cahill; nephew Alex (Mary) Hess, daughter-in-law Julie Stinson; Great nieces and nephews Trey, Joe, Max, Ashley, Sella, Carly and Mazie; Lifelong friend Lois Knipstein Willis and many beloved cousins and friends.

A Celebration of a Life Well Lived will be held on Tuesday, May 20th, at Ceruti’s (6601 Innovation Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN). Please join us for an open-house style gathering from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM, with celebratory toast and remarks at 6:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:

• PFW Women’s Athletics (Basketball, Golf) https://connect.purdue.edu/s/givepfw
• Snider High School Girls’ Athletics (Basketball, Golf)
• First Tee – Fort Wayne https://indianagolffoundation-bloom.kindful.com/