Judith E. Miller Obituary
Judith E. Miller, 87, of Stevensville, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Monday, September 7th, 2026
A celebration of her wonderful life will be held on Saturday, September 12th, at 11:00am, at Baroda Bible Church, 9058 Third St., Baroda, with Pastor Bill Zebell officiating. A private family burial will follow at Ruggles Cemetery. Visitation with the family will begin one hour prior to the service starting at 10:00am. Memorial contributions may be made to Corewell Health Hospice. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 269-556-9450.
Judy was born on February 4, 1939, in Baroda, to Leo and Eileen Rick. She grew up on the family farm alongside her sisters, Nancy and Tish, and she graduated from Baroda High School.
On June 27, 1959, Judy married Donald Miller at Baroda Bible Church. Together, they shared 65 years of marriage before his passing in 2024. Her family always found it so fascinating when she told stories of spending the morning of her wedding day working on the farm before getting ready!
Judy and Don raised their three daughters in Stevensville, where they built a home filled with family and countless memories. They spent many years involved with the Blossomtime committee and later divided their time between Stevensville and Florida. No matter where they were, being near the water became one of the family’s favorite ways to spend time together. Whether it was floating on rafts in the lake, boating and shelling in Marco Island, or gathering around a bonfire for hot dogs and s’mores, some of the family’s happiest memories were made together by the water.
Above all, Judy treasured her family. She was lovingly known as “Mana,” a name that began when her oldest granddaughter was little and tried to say grandma. The name stuck, and she was forever known by it.
Judy loved nothing more than having a house full of family, especially her granddaughters. She always said that you didn’t need a reason to throw a party, so she did—often! There were countless hours spent gathered around the kitchen table, telling stories, laughing, and making memories. Everywhere you looked in Judy’s home was a reminder of how much her family meant to her. The kitchen door held decades of pencil marks, each one documenting the growing heights of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family photographs filled the walls surrounding the kitchen table, and little pieces of artwork created by her great-grandchildren could be found taped throughout the house. Her greatest joy was her family.
She was, quite simply, the absolute best—and she will be tremendously missed.
Judy is survived by her daughters; Jannette Yergeau, Diane (John) Anstey both of St. Joseph, and Lisa Vroegop of Stevensville; grandchildren, Ashley (David) Warren, Courtney Yergeau (Ben Ursprung), Annie Anstey (Griffin Rocheleau), Katie Anstey, and Becca and Rachel Vroegop; great-grandchildren, Lyla, Teddy, Beatrice, and Jack Warren, and Felix Ursprung; sisters Nancy Wright and Eileen Wamboldt.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo & Eileen; husband, Don; grandson, Cody Yergeau; and son-in-law, Victor Vroegrop.
Her family would like to express deep thanks to the team at Comfort Keepers who provided great care for her over the last few months.
