Judith "Judy" Ann (Newhouse) DeWitt

Judith Ann "Judy" DeWitt, 85, of Hart, passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2023. She was born August 5, 1938, in Detroit, the daughter of Minard and Estelle (Laskowski) Newhouse.

Judy lived in Hart and Montague for most of her adult life. On April 15, 1981, she married Larry DeWitt, thus beginning a loving blended family. Every summer for many years they enjoyed living on their boat and traveling on the Great Lakes. He preceded her in death on June 24, 2004. She loved her family and loved traveling with them to all parts of the world.  She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, painting, crafting, gardening, and reading. 

Judy proudly served in the United States Navy for over 23 years attaining the rank of Yeoman First Class. After initially spending time on active duty, she spent many years as a reservist, where her love of travel began. She spent time in Guam, Panama, Brazil, and many locations in the U.S.A. She retired on her 60th birthday in August 1998, due to the mandatory retirement age. She would have continued her service for many more years if she had been allowed.

Judy worked at the Department of Social Services in both Oceana and Muskegon Counties retiring in 1992 as an Assistance Payment worker. She enjoyed retirement, she and her husband spent many winters in Sarasota, Florida.

Judy had a strong faith and spent time volunteering with her church in Florida and traveling with them to Haiti for missionary work. She was also a member of the First Christian Church in Muskegon.

The family would like to thank the staff at Cherry Blossom Manor for their dedication and friendship to Judy throughout her time there.

Judy will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Judith is survived by: her children, Kris (Deb) DeWitt of Lake City, MI, Kathi (Don) Lerg of Lake City, MI, Kim (Dale) Mosher of Lake City, MI, Robert (B.J.) Olendorf of Parchment, MI, Lorraine (Mike) Reed of Mears, MI, Margaret (Denny) Edwards of Muskegon, MI, and Laura (Jeff) Chaffee of Muskegon, MI; 17 grandchildren and many great grandchildren; brother John (Lois) Newhouse of Hot Springs, AR.; cousin Susie (Les) Faremouth of Grand Rapids; nephew Minard “Bud” Newhouse of Traverse City; and niece Tyler McCay of Traverse City.

Judith was preceded in death by: her husband, Larry DeWitt; parents, Minard and Estelle; and brother Minard “Buddy” Newhouse.

Memorial services will be conducted at 2 pm, Friday, November 3, 2023, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Avenue, Shelby, Michigan 49455, with pastor Bob Grams officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 pm until 2 pm, Friday, November 3, 2023, at Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby. A light luncheon will follow. 

Please consider memorial contributions to: Cherry Blossom Manor Inc. 611 E. Main Street, Hart Michigan 49420.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.

www.harrisfhome.com

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