Judy Clendenin's Obituary
Judy Clendenin was peacefully serenaded into her heavenly father’s arms on the morning of Wednesday January 7, 2026. She was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa July 27, 1934, to Joe and June Rogers. She grew up and attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs.
Judy was the first in her family to attend college and she attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha where she earned her bachelor’s degree with a speech major.
After college she worked for the Girl Scouts of America. It was during this time that she took a chance on a blind date, meeting the love of her life, Art Clendenin, Jr. They were married in 1958 and enjoyed 55 years of marriage until his passing in 2013.
The newlyweds moved to Detroit, Michigan. Shortly thereafter they transferred to Toledo, Ohio. It was there that she began raising a family of four children. Judy was part of the Toledo Jaycees and their bowling league. She volunteered as a Brownie Leader and a tutor in the Sylvania, Ohio schools. Judy was one of the pioneering members of Christ Presbyterian Church. She was involved in many volunteer positions at the church, including being ordained as a deacon and an elder, and even serving as Christian Education Director for a time. Her most accomplished goal was completion of the Stephen Ministry training, which teaches Christian Counseling concepts in order to mentor others in their walk with Jesus. She loved to read her Bible and study the Word of God. In 1975, she joined husband Art in his accounting practice performing computer data entry. The computer then was large, intimidating and took up nearly all her office space, but she quickly tamed that beast!
Judy and Art retired in 1996 and set their sights on moving out of their empty nest. In 2004 they relocated to Lake Gladewater, Texas, moving permanently in 2007. Enjoying their new surroundings, Judy became actively involved with the Gladewater Garden Club, serving in all the officer positions. Judy became a member of First Presbyterian Church, Longview, and especially appreciated the Bible study and worship. She also enjoyed the accompaniment of her three granddaughters and three great-granddaughters, attending sporting events and recitals. Her new home became a popular destination for other family members and friends. She loved hosting company.
Judy moved into Buckner Estates in Longview in 2018, meeting many new friends and building relationships with the staff. She still loved having family and visitors stop by and kept as active as she desired with church, planned activities and a plethora of doctor appointments throughout the year.
Those left to cherish her memory are:
Arthur Clendenin, III (Mary Lou); Christine Clendenin; Nancy Dederer (Chris); and Ruth Clendenin (Todd Mark); Grandchildren Diana Clendenin, Lou Ellen Clendenin and Amy Carroll (Clint), Andrew Dederer; Step Grandchildren Katie Mark and Josh Mark; Great granddaughters Katelyn Clendenin, Annaleigh Hebert and Elise Hebert. She is also survived by numerous other family members and friends.
A memorial service honoring Judy will be held at 11 am on Monday January 19, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church located in downtown Longview, Texas (301 N. Center Street).
Please plan to arrive early to enjoy the prelude concert at 10:30 am!
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the following:
Buckner Westminster Place - 2201 Horseshoe Lane, Longview, TX 75605
First Presbyterian Church of Longview - 301 N, Center Street, Longview, TX 75601
Mercy Ships - 15862 SH 110, Lindale, TX 75771
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