Judith Ann (Russell) Hinch

Judith Ann Hinch 

February 12, 1967 – July 10, 2022

                                    "Time is Short.  Be Brave." 

Judith (Judi) Ann Hinch beloved mother, sister, daughter, friend, and teacher in Harrisburg, Missouri, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.  Surrounded by the love of family and friends, she left her loved ones with a smile. 

Throughout her life Judi had a gift for encouragement.  This was demonstrated in her work as a teacher until her retirement in 2021, and in her interactions with family and friends. Even as she neared the end of her time in this life when she had little energy left, she would still tell them, “Time is short. Be brave.” 

Judi was born in Columbia, Missouri and was educated in the public schools of Missouri, graduating high school in Hannibal, Missouri in 1985.  She received a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education in 1992 from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri.  She received a Master of Teaching in elementary education in 2002 from Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri. 

Having benefited from the public schools of Missouri, and given her heart for encouragement, it was little surprise that Judi found her way to teaching in Harrisburg Middle School where she taught for 23 years.  Her tenure there was long enough that children of her former students eventually became her students as well.  Also, her former students have returned to become teachers and administrators at the Harrisburg Schools.  At various times she taught math, science, social studies, and English.  Judi was a founding sponsor of the Drama Club.  The Judith Ann Hinch Memorial Scholarship has been created to benefit Harrisburg students who wish to pursue a career in teaching. 

Judi was a long-time member of the Prairie Grove Baptist Church, supporting mission trips and teaching adult women’s Sunday School. 

Judi is survived by her Son, Russell Hinch; Parents, James H. Russell and Ruth Russell; Siblings, Mark Russell and wife Deborah Cameron, Lori Willis and husband Terry Willis, Charles Russell and wife Sandra Russell, Susan Sims and husband Curtis Sims; Nieces and Nephews, Anne Russell, John Willis, Laura Van Note and husband Brian Van Note, Joseph Willis, Jackieann Russell, Holli Rhoades, Lacey Brown, Emily Russell, Stephen Sims, Charles Russell, Harold Russell, Holly Sims, Katie Russell and Carolanne Russell.  She was known as Oma (Grandma) to Aurelia Annette Rhoades and Preston Scott Brown and Great-nephew, Theodore Van Note 

Funeral services will be held at Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel, 1610 N. Garth, Columbia, MO 65202.  Visitation is at 7:00 p.m. on July 29, 2022.  Funeral is at 6:00 p.m. on July 30, 2022. In honor of Judi, we are asking that you wear something purple as that was her favorite color. Pall bearers will be Terry Willis, Joe Willis, John Willis, Colton Wake, Bryce Henderson, and Hunter Rhoades. 

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Judith Ann Hinch Memorial Scholarship through:   Community Foundation of Central Missouri, PO Box 6015, Columbia, MO 65205-6015.

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