Judy Ruth Sage McClelland

Judy Ruth Sage McClelland was born April 19, 1948, on the Naval base in San Diego, CA. Her parents were Huston and Elsie Sage. Both of her parents were veterans of WW II, serving in the U.S. Navy.

Following a divorce, her father was given custody of Judy and her older sister, Sandra. He married Flo Mullins who helped to rear both the sisters and her son by a previous marriage, “Joe” Barbarotto.

Judy spent her school years in the Norphlet Arkansas school system, graduating from Norphlet High School in 1966. She attended the College of the Ozarks, in Clarksville, Arkansas, graduating with a B.S. in Social Work in 1970. While there, she also picked up a husband, John D. McClelland. They were married on December 4, in the Munger Memorial Chapel on the college campus.

After supporting her husband through Seminary for three years, they served the Lord, Jesus Christ through a series of pastorates in Georgia, South Carolina, New Mexico, Texas and finally landing in Homer, Louisiana in 1994 where he served as Pastor of First Presbyterian Church and later, as part time pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Athens, Louisiana.

One of the highlights of her life came in 1981 while serving in South Carolina, their son, John Jr. was born in Anderson.

On February 24, 2026, following a long illness, she quietly slipped into the welcoming arms of her life long savior, Jesus the Son of God.

Preceding her in death were her father, mother, step-mother, her sister, Sandra Dennison and her husband, Rev. Dr. Denny Dennison, her step-brother, Richard “Joe” Barbarotto and his wife, Barbara.

Those left on this earth include her husband, Rev. John D. McClelland, her son, John D. McClelland Jr., five nephews, two nieces and their families.

Special thanks for their loving care during her illness go to Dr. Clifton Salmon, Claiborne Memorial Medical Center, and the loving family of care givers at Presbyterian Village where she spent the last four years of her life.

Services to celebrate her life will he held on Saturday, February 28th at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 15274 Hwy 9, Athens, LA. Well wishers will be welcome at the church an hour before the service begins. Interment will follow in Salem Cemetery in Athens.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to First Presbyterian Church of Homer, PO Box 297, Homer, LA 71040 or First Presbyterian Church of Athens, PO Box 24, Athens, LA, 71003 or the charity of their choice.

Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Homer Chapel (318) 927-6110

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