Dr. Jones Gerdis

Dr. Judith Jones Gerdis (93), of Sun City, Arizona (formerly of Indianapolis, IN), passed away in a care center at Sun City West, AZ Memorial Day, May 30, 2011 at 6:50pm, after an extended illness. She had been in failing health for several years. She was born November 6, 1917 in Indianapolis to Dr. and Mrs. Harry G. Jones. She graduated at age 16 from the prestigious Shortridge High School, Indianapolis and soon began her college studies at Western College for Women, Oxford, Ohio. From there Dr. Gerdis transferred to Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana and during her first year at Purdue was elected home coming queen. Dr. Gerdis then transferred to Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio where she graduated March 21, 1941 with her Doctor of Optometry Degree. She was one of the earliest women to obtain this degree from Ohio State. Dr. Gerdis was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and was recently awarded her 75 year gold key pin. On Thanksgiving 1942, Dr. Gerdis was married in Indianapolis to Mr. John F. Gerdis, Jr., of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, an attorney and F.B.I. Agent. The couple added one son and one daughter to this union, but were divorced in 1959. Dr. Gerdis never remarried. Dr. Gerdis worked for several optical firms in the Indianapolis area before going into private practice. She retired in 1980 to Sun City, Arizona. Dr. Gerdis enjoyed a long list of activities, including playing bridge, traveling, including a 6 week trip to India in 2002 at age 85. She loved playing the piano and organ, and sang in her church choir for several years. She also enjoyed gardening, reading, and spending many hours struggling over New York Times crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed sponsoring foreign orphans in under developed countries in order for them to obtain a better life. Dr. Gerdis was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Harry G. Jones and her grandson, Aaron Simmons of Los Angeles. She is survived by her children, David John Gerdis of Sun City, Arizona; Deborah Gerdis Simmons of San Diego; her sister, Libby Grueninger of Indianapolis, and 6 nieces and nephews, Christine Dyar of Indianapolis; Heidi Healy of Sydney, Australia, Mike Grueninger of Indianapolis, Ms. Barbara Gerdis of Sacramento, California, Ms. Penny Ukadike of Deluth, Georgia and Michael Gerdis of Cypress, California. Also surviving are extended family members Connie Jean Amireh and Jim Felt both of Sun City. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 7 at 11am at Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel, 740 East 86th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240, 317-844-3966. Visitation will be Monday, June 6 from 4-8pm also at Leppert Mortuary, Indianapolis. Burial will be in the family plot at Forest Hill Cemetery, Shelbyville, Indiana. Local visitation will be held Thursday, June 2 from 4-7pm at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 N. 103rd Avenue, Sun City, Arizona, 85351, 623-979-6451.