It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Judy Oxford, 83, of Ruston, Louisiana, on Saturday, July 12, 2025. Judy lived a life full of love, family, and cherished moments, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be treasured by those who knew her.
Judy was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Ramon and Mary Martin; her devoted first husband, Zeke Ball; her dear second husband, Alan Oxford; her brothers, Herbert Bruce, Roland, Henry, and Billy Martin; her sisters, Marie Raburn, Linda Cook, and Kathy Brewer; and her grandson, Michael Case, all of whom she held close to her heart.
Judy dedicated many years to her work, starting at the Dixie Theatre in Ruston at just 14 years old, from 1956 until 1969. She went on to manage the Ruston Drive-In from 1969 until its closing in 1985, and she also worked for Gulf States and Don Theatres. Later, she brought her warm presence to National Liquidators in Arcadia and The Cafeteria in Ruston. Beyond her professional life, Judy had a zest for fun; she loved playing Dominoes and Rook, rarely losing a game, and cherished dancing. She also held a special fondness for the Catfish Inn in Quitman, now Stassen’s Catfish Inn.
She is survived by her devoted daughters, Sandy Pennington and husband Danny, Mike Case, Melissa Ball, Jane Pike and husband Tim, and Kelly Schmaltz and her husband Jonny. Her love and guidance will be deeply missed by her surviving sisters, Elizabeth Martin and Donna Martin. Judy’s joy was evident in her numerous grandchildren: Ben Pennington, Zach and wife Kathleen Pennington, Justin Thomas, Holly and husband Ryan Hill, Adam Pike and fiancée Cara Timerding, Ashlee Pike, Xzavier Mattox, Matthew Schmaltz, and Tylor Schmaltz. Her great-grandchildren, Azriel Buras, Mattie Brown, Melodee Bryan, Macayla Bryan, Coraline Hill, Christiana Hill, and Samuel Thomas, brought immense light into her life. Judy’s nurturing spirit and unwavering love created a strong foundation for her family, and her memory will live on in each of them.
Judy’s kindness, warmth, and gentle spirit touched countless lives, and she will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in eternal peace.
Visitation will be held at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home at 2300 West California Avenue, Ruston, Louisiana, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, July 16th. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, July 17th, at 10:00 AM, at Owens Memorial Chapel with Rev. Gerald Nelson officiating. Burial will follow at Antioch Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery, 518 North Antioch Road, Quitman, Louisiana.
