Judith Ann Gels, 79, passed away Friday, June 28th, 2024 at Alois Alzheimer Center in Cincinnati, OH. Born in St. Henry, OH, she was the daughter of the late Jerry and Helen (Knapke) Gels.

Judith had an illustrious career as a professional church organist, choir director and piano teacher at various churches in the Midwest and New England. Her musical journey began in 8th grade as Assistant Organist playing early morning mass at St. Henry Catholic Church.

She earned undergraduate and master degrees in Piano Performance from Miami University and pursued doctoral studies at Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. She also studied at Julliard, and Curtis Institute of Music. Judith was the Concerto competition winner at Aspen Music Festival in 1965. She was a pianist for the National Ballet in Washington, D.C., Lyric Opera Company in Columbia, S.C,. and accompanist at the Cincinnati Ballet.

Survivors include a daughter, Dana Raina (Siddhartha), San Francisco, CA; a granddaughter, Aadya Raina; three sisters, Virginia Waller (John), Birmingham, AL, Nancy King (Robert), Dayton, OH, a brother, Charlie Gels (Karen), St. Henry; and a brother-in-law James Dippold (Betty) of St. Henry. In addition to her parents, Judith was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Dippold, sister-in-law Donna Gels, and brother Donald Gels.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in a few months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alois Alzheimer Foundation: https://aloisalzheimerfoundation.org/donations/ or Hospice of Southwest Ohio: https://hswo.org/donate/