Judson “Sudsy” Ray Lada

Judson “Sudsy” Ray Lada, age 74, of New Philadelphia, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2022, in Pomerene Hospital at Millersburg, after a period of declining health.

Judson was born on December 30, 1947, in Steubenville, Ohio, to the late Samuel and Annie Jane (Rees) Lada.

He was a 1965 graduate of Follansbee High School, where he was the sports’ team manager and was nicknamed, “Sudsy.” Judson then continued his education at The College of Steubenville and graduated with his teaching degree in 1976. Following his college graduation, he taught at Conotton Valley High School for 35 years. During his time at CVHS, he received his Masters Degree in Education and also became the guidance counselor. He made some wonderful friends during his career at CVHS and especially loved spending time with his morning crew, gossiping, and eating good food.

In his free time, Judson loved to watch sports, especially the Cleveland Indians and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also loved to help with the New Philadelphia High School Band Bingo and could be found in the stands supporting and leading the New Phila Band Cheer. Later in life, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in their many activities, too. Judson was a faithful member of New Philadelphia First United Methodist Church where he enjoyed singing hymns very loudly from the balcony.

Judson is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carol (Weekly) Lada; his daughters Tawnya (James) Alpeter and Tiffany (Jason) Baker, both of Dover, Ohio; grandchildren, Colton and Caden Gribble, and Cassandra Baker; his sister, Jo-Ann Lada and his sister-in-law, Donna (Rainey) Grimes, both of Weirton, West Virginia; nieces, Carla (Dave) Lada-Hull, Taylor Grimes, Audrey Kocher, Joy Islinghood, Kim (Jeff) Prisner, and Sherry (Brad) Varlas; as well as many extended family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Judson is preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Samuel and Shirley Lada, former sister-in-law, Donna (Crabtree) Lada Blake, and his father-in-law, Donald Weekly.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 1, 2022, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover where Pastor Brandon Keck will lead a service celebrating Judson’s life on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at 1:30 PM. Burial will immediately follow the service in Dover Burial Park.

Judson’s family requests that all guests attending the visitation and service please wear a mask.

Those wishing to do so may make a memorial contribution to the New Philadelphia First United Methodist Church, 201 West High Avenue, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663, or to the American Council of the Blind in Ohio, www.acbohio.org. In appreciation of the corneas Judson received through organ donation, his family encourages you to become an organ donor at www.donatelifeohio.org.