Judith “Judy” Ann Trout, 81 of Zanesville

Judith Ann “Judy” McCandlish Trout, 81, of Zanesville, Ohio, passed away on September 24, 2026, at Cedar Hill. Judy was born May 23, 1945, in Bremen, Ohio, to the late Francis William McCandlish and Mary Elizabeth Black McCandlish.

A bright light to many, Judy found true joy and connection in the simple pleasures of life. She often recalled fond memories of visiting her grandparents in Bremen, and of fishing from a small rowboat at their cottage on Buckeye Lake. She grew up in a close-knit family and adored spending time with her younger brothers, Jim and Tom.

Quick to make friends during her school and church camp days, she acquired the nickname “Mabel,” which followed her well into adulthood. During her early years at the Methodist Camp Ground in Lancaster, she met and became close to Lee, Lynne, and Terry Trout. Later, she discovered that those girls had a brother named Bob. Their budding friendship would soon grow into true love, and they were married during the Summer of Love on July 1, 1967. Their love was steadfast in their faith and they raised their only child, a daughter, Jennifer, with patience, respect, creativity, and unconditional love.

“Pop-up Judy,” as she would often call herself, did not sit still! Always on the go, she had routine and she had purpose. She knew how to sew and often made clothes for herself and her young daughter. Judy had a snappy sense of style that also translated into her home décor and meticulously maintained lawn and gardens.

Judy never knew a stranger and made many friendships over the years through her contributions to a variety of organizations, such as the Child Conservation League (C.C.L.), as a Girl Scout leader, a Sunday school teacher at First United Methodist Church, a Genesis Hospital (Bethesda) volunteer, and a volunteer for the Carr Center Cake Auction. She graduated from Zanesville High School in 1963 and remained a loyal Blue Devil alumnus. She and Bob supported the ZHS girls’ and boys’ basketball teams, walked from their home to attend football games every Friday night, and for several years, acted as treasurers for the ZHS Band Boosters. During those years, she essentially became a second mother to many band students, a role she treasured. Whether it was Jenny’s friends or Judy and Bob’s neighborhood friends, nothing was more sacred to her than when everyone gathered at her house after school for the best snacks and baked goods around. While the kids entertained themselves, Judy and her besties would enjoy light gossip and discussion of the happenings on St. Louis Avenue on the porch swing. Many laughs were shared and many plans were hatched there.

Her role of grandmother, “Mamaw,” brought Judy immense joy and pride. She enjoyed celebrating her grandchildren, Hannah and Tyler, in any endeavor, but especially when attending numerous art fairs and baseball games over the years. Judy also brought her cherished traditions and memories whenever she traveled to celebrate a cozy Colorado Christmas.

Most know that if Judy is in the room, Bob is by her side. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 59 years, Robert William “Bob” Trout; her daughter, Jenny (Doug) Whetsell of Colorado; her grandchildren, Tyler and Hannah Whetsell of Colorado; her sisters-in-law, Rebecca McCandlish of Zanesville, Cindy McCandlish of Worthington, Lee Geis (Rik) of New Jersey, Lynne Phoenix of Maryland, and Terry Anthony (Tom) of Westerville. She also leaves nieces and nephews to cherish her memory: Matt (Christy) McCandlish of Zanesville, Anna (James) Young of Zanesville, Libby (Bo) Hitchens of Zanesville, Michael (Talya Davidoff) McCandlish of New York, and Emma (Nathan) Lindholm of Worthington. In addition, her best friend of 40 years, Pat Spencer, and her daughters, Lori Burkhart and Staci Allen, who were very much like daughters to Judy.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers: James W. McCandlish and Thomas L. McCandlish.

A special note of gratitude to the staff of Sterling Suites, Cedar Hill, and Hospice of Central Ohio. Several friends, nurses, case workers, and caregivers created a deep and cheerful sense of community in a short amount of time while providing exceptional and intuitive care.

Judy loved freely and was loved fiercely and will now be deeply missed by all.

Friends may join us for a Celebration of Life at First Christian Church on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 10:00am, at 3000 Dresden Road, Zanesville, Rev. Laureen Roe officiating. Judy will be laid to rest at Zanesville Memorial Park with a private interment at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Judy’s honor to the James W. McCandlish Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund mccf.org/McCandlish

To sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note of condolence please visit www.hilliscombsnestor.com