Judy Lynn (nee: Keith) Powlen, age 71 of Batesville, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at her residence. She was born on Wednesday, June 22,1955 in Hamilton, Ohio to Gilbert and Estelle (nee: Carr) Keith. Along with her parents and two brothers, the family made their home in Bright, Indiana.
She graduated from North Dearborn High School in 1973 and from The University of Indianapolis in 1977. Judy got her master’s degree at Xavier University in 1979. She taught primary grades at Milan Elementary for 33 years.
Judy married Rev. William Robert Powlen on August 4, 1979, at the Bright Christian Church in Bright, Indiana. They had three children, Erin, Rachel, and Keith.
At the time of death, she and her husband of 47 years, resided in Batesville. Judy enjoyed doing church work and helping others, playing the piano, traveling, reading, live theatre, music, decorating for holidays, and doing jigsaw puzzles. She was an active church member and served on church council as secretary at St. Mark Lutheran Church.
Judy was a member of Ripley County Retired Teachers.
She is proceeded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Estelle Keith Johnson, and her eldest brother, Robert Keith.
Judy is survived by her beloved husband, Bill of Batesville, and her daughters, Erin (Dave) Scherger of Royal Oak, Michigan and Rachel (Joe) Newson of Glendale, Wisconsin; her son, Keith Powlen of Madison, Indiana. She also is survived by a granddaughter, Johanna Scherger, and a grandson, Gavin Newson.
She is also survived by her brother, Ron Keith of Aurora, Indiana, nieces Rhonda and Kathy Keith, nephew, Ronald (Becky) Keith and several great nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be Thursday, October 1st, from 10 – 11 a.m., at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Batesville. Funeral services follow at 11 a.m., at the church, with Rev. Jill Kepler-Campbell and Bishop Tim Graham officiating. Burial will be held at 2:30 p.m. at the Gibson Cemetery in Bright, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Mark Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society. If unable to attend the services, memorials can be sent in c/o Weigel Funeral Home, PO Box 36, Batesville, Indiana 47006. For online condolences, please go to www.weigelfh.com.
Weigel Funeral Home, Batesville, Indiana is entrusted with arrangements.