Judith Heddlesten

It is with deep sorrow we announce Judith Margaret Heddlesten nee Bell has become another Angel granted wings in the Heavenly Kingdom on December 11, 2025. Judy was born on September 11, 1945, in Garfield Heights, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, James LeRoy Heddlesten Jr., her mother, Hazel Deane Fulton, and father Edwin Doran Bell.

Judy and Jim were foster parents with the Ohio Youth Advocate Program for over 30 years where they fostered hundreds of children. Judy loved having a house full of kids along with the chaos and drama that came with it. We admired the love, devotion and patience that she showed anyone that came into her life. Judy’s commitment to providing a loving, nurturing home will never be forgotten. In her later years, Judy enjoyed spending time with lifelong friends and hanging out with the grandkids.

She is survived by her seven daughters: Jamie (DeWitte) Wilson, Jennifer (Ralph) Romanello, Julie Mehrez, Joy (Jermell Walter) Heddelesten, Sonyia Harris, Brittany Heddlesten, Nautica Heddlesten and many children she considered hers through her many years as a foster parent; Grandchildren: Ralph (Courtney) Romanello, Tyler (Lucas) Mullins, Baily Romanello, Ashley Harris, Alaunda Lett, Nathan Wilson, Tristen (Makayla) Steinmetz, Aaron Heddlesten, Sean Heddlesten, Finley Heddlesten, Vincent Layton, and Rowen Layton; Great Grandchildren: Ralph Romanello, Amelia Romanello, Brooklyn Mullins, Georgia Mullins, Robert Mullins, James (Hank) Bennett, Marshall Bennett, Cheyenne Steinmetz, Noami Harris, Deangelo Williams Jr., and Dario James Williams; Brother: Edwin Bell and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dearest friends.

Services will be held at: St. Barnabas Catholic Church 9451 Brandywine Rd, Northfield, OH 44067 on Saturday January 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Friends and family are welcome.

Our family would like to thank Mandy Basel and the Gardens of Western Reserve Home Care and Hospice for their help during our difficult journey.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Adams Mason Funeral Home 330-535-9186.