Celebration of Life: Judith Ellen Barnes Rombouts - April 9, 1940 – May 28, 2024

Provided.

Judith Ellen Barnes Rombouts.

Judith Ellen Barnes Rombouts ("Judy") passed away peacefully of natural causes in her home on May 28 in Tehachapi. She had just turned 84. She was surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of her own bed in her favorite pajamas. We will always be grateful for her generosity, advice, delicious dinners and all the times she made us laugh with her quirks and comments.

She was truly the family matriarch and motherly to many. She is survived by a large group of family, friends and neighbors who will miss her forever and think of her often. This includes her husband John H.E. Rombouts, her children, Sally Martinez (Mike), Terry Rombouts-Vasquez (Hank), Steve Rombouts and Christina Rombouts-Sliney (Peter).

Cherished by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Judy loved to make holidays and Sunday dinners extra special for them. She treasured her time with them and loved being their "Grammy Jude." Judy is also survived by her siblings. This includes James Barnes, Jerry Barnes and Jennifer Rowe Dawson. She was preceded in death by her sister Jeanie Woodie. She moved from Cleveland to California in 1962 but did her best to stay in touch with her brothers and sisters and went back to Cleveland as often as she could. Judy also liked keeping up with the Browns and Indians and that cold Cleveland weather.

Judy was incredibly strong and resilient and despite difficult health issues and accidents, she always persevered. In the last few years of her life, she was blessed with two loving caregivers.

She will always be remembered for her stinging sense of humor, her sweet voice and taking an interest in people. We will always imagine her saying: "I am so proud of..." (This would be whoever was doing well at this time because she loved to brag about people she loved.) We wish we could hear this one more time. Her zest for proper grammar and her memory will live on in all the hearts who love her.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you never end a sentence in a preposition in Judy's honor.

To read Judy's full obituary, visit http://www.woodmortuary.net/obituaries/.

Wood Family Funeral Service is handling the arrangements and a service and reception lunch will be held on Friday, June 14 at 11 a.m. at Wood Family Funeral Chapel, 321 W. F St., Tehachapi.