Judy Fish

ZALMA, Mo. — Judy Ruth Owens Fish, a longtime Zalma resident, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023.

She was born Jan. 24, 1947, to Thomas Earl Owens and Ruth Lorraine Miller Owens in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

Judy had a love for people and a joy that exhibited itself in music and laughter. Many of her fond memories from her younger years included escapades with her sisters and friends. She greatly respected her older brother and looked forward to visits with him and his family.

On Nov. 22, 1969, she became a preacher's wife when she married Dale G. Fish. She enjoyed supporting him through work for Zalma Missionary Baptist Church, church associations, Cane Creek, and the Missouri State Association, and Baptist Missionary Association of America.

Judy also taught piano lessons to several young students in the community, including her daughter, who thought (at the age of 5) that she knew more than her mother. After taking lessons for a few months from a local college student, Judy's toughest piano student returned and settled down to learn. She taught her children and grandchildren many lessons in life -- among them, the love of God and his word; enjoyment of life; and the importance of not worrying, because God is in control.

Judy is survived by husband, Dale G. Fish of Zalma; daughter, Susan (Greg) Peninger of Leander, Texas; son, Timothy Fish of Fort Worth, Texas; grandsons, Joshua Peninger of Tyler, Texas, Adam Peninger of Austin, Texas, and Luke Peninger of Leander; and many loved family and friends.

She was preceded in death by parents, Thomas Earl and Ruth Lorraine Owens, and siblings, Dale (Maxcyne) Owens, Frances (Nathanial) Conover and Allie (Tom) Marshall.

The Fish family would like to extend special thanks to Aspire Senior Living Advance in Advance, Missouri, and Crown Hospice of Cape Girardeau for their excellent care.

Visitation was Sunday, Feb. 5, at Morgan Funeral Home in Advance.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 6, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Berrong Cemetery at Route E in Zalma, with lunch to follow at Berrong Church