Judith L Rydel

Judith L. Rydel, 79, a life long Elyria resident, died Sunday April 20, 2025.  She was born July 18, 1945 in Elyria and was a 1964 graduate of Elyria High School.  Judy began working at EMH January 18, 1982 making $4.60 an hour in the Client Services area of the lab.  She later moved to the central processing area and became the “go to person” everyone depended on to handle issues.  Judy was featured in the July 2008 issue of the lab ‘Scope It Out’ newsletter. When asked what life was like when she started, she replied, “The hospital did not have a computer system, but, had a label printer.” When asked what words of wisdom she wanted for staff, she replied “Do unto others as you would have them do onto you, take careful notes and ask a lot of questions.  Take pride in what you do and always do your very best.”

Judy was always a friend to all and a mentor to the numerous staff she helped train over 28 years.  She was always a dedicated employee and took pride in her work.  She expected quality work from everyone and was always willing to help staff meet quality expectations.  Judy helped to improve the ordering process for unit secretaries by creating a lab reference book with information on each lab test that she delivered to each patient care unit which has now become an online portion of the web lab page.

Not only is Judy known for her dedication and hard work in lab, but also for her famous “Judy Cakes”.  The lab staff enjoyed these treats for years.  She was also an accomplished seamstress.  Before the color coded department uniforms, she took orders and made lab jackets in holiday themes for her co-workers.  Judy also enjoyed cheering Cleveland sports teams, Indians, Browns and the Cavaliers, especially LeBron James. 

Judy is survived by her children, Gerald (Denise) Burton of Perrysville, JoAnn (Michael) Koehler of North Port, FL, Jacqueline Burton of Wakeman and Jill (Michael) Keith of Elyria; 4 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Leslein and brother, Theodore Averbook.

She was preceded in death by parents, Myron and Josephine Averbook.

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