Judy Kay Fontaine, 67, of Rensselaer, passed away Friday, Jan. 21, 2022 at Franciscan Health Lafayette East. She was born in Winamac on June 22, 1954 to William and Hermal (Conley) Shepherd. On May 8, 1999 she married Richard “Leon” Fontaine. He preceded her in death on Jan. 10, 2015.
Judy was the co-owner of JK Finishings for 20 years, where she enjoyed remodeling, painting and wallpapering. She also enjoyed crafts, gardening, playing solitaire, and she loved her Diet Pepsi. She was a member of Victorious Life Assembly of God Church. Judy was kind-hearted, creative, and she always tried to put others first.
She is survived by five children: Jeffery (Tyann) Countryman, Jason (Nellie) Countryman, Joshua (Tina) Countryman, Jonathan (Kate) Countryman, and Chantelle Fontaine; one nephew, Joey (Kellie) Shepherd; nine grandchildren: Kody, Eli, Sage, Jade, Rogan, Zachary, Kaylie, Alexis, and Michael; and three great-grandchildren: Israel, Indie, and Athena. She is also survived by her long-time friend and business partner, Kim VanHouten.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leon Fontaine; and one brother, Michael Shepherd.
Visitation will be Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022 from 10 a.m. until time of the funeral at noon (CST) at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Pastor Melvin Lane officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to George Ade Memorial Health Care Center. Steinke Funeral Home is honored to be handling the arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.