Judy L. VanArman

Juda L. E. "Judy" VanArman Juda Louvisa Elizabeth "Judy" VanArman, age 82, of Marshall, returned home to her Lord on Thursday night, November 16, 2006 at Battle Creek Health Systems. Judy was born Jan. 26, 1924 in Inez, Kentucky, in the Applachian Mountians to Rowland Burns and Minnie (McCoy) Setser. Growing up in the Applachian''s during that time of America''s history meant children had limited formal schooling. As a child Judy went to work to help support her family. The money she kept for herself was always saved for others pleasures. Her first savings was spent to buy material for a new dress for her mother. Judy kept this habit all through her life, putting others needs above her own. Her childhood experiences also made her very self sufficient, still perfectly able to function daily without some of what we take for grantedsuch as electricity. When the power went out at her house, she was always prepared with plenty of water, blankets, and a wood stove that she could prepare a fine meal on still! After her mother''s death, Judy came to Marshall area with her family when she was 18. She has lived here since then. On June 22, 1946, Judy was married to Robert C. VanArman in Marshall. They raised their family together here. Judy worked as a nurse''s aide for many years at the former William E. Morgan Medical Care Facility in Marengo Township before going to work at Oaklawn Hospital in 1968. She worked there until her retirement in the late 1970''s. Mr. VanArman preceded her in death on July 20, 1983. Judy was a founding member of the Marshall Church Of Christ. She was a very active church member, serving her community nearly daily through her church. When sickness or a new baby arrived in a household, Judy would be right behind either with a chicken casserole or pot of potato soup. She traveled extensively in the world, seeing the Philipines , the Holy Land and Egypt amongst other countries. In Egypt she rode a camel! Judy''s home was always open, and she loved to entertain. She often referred to herself as the "cruise director" when she instigated one of many gatherings for family and friends. She loved to garden, knit and crochet. Feeding her grandchildren (probably preparing thousands of grilled cheese sandwiches over the years) and having them near was very special to her. She also became a surrogate mother and grandmother to many of her children''s and grandchildren''s friends. She was a self taught lady, becoming very educated in the "school of life". She still enjoyed crossword puzzles, scrabble, watching the more educational programs on the Game Show channel to keep her mind active. Surviving are her son Don VanArman of Ypsilanti, her daughters, Jan Camp and Jeanne VanArman both of Marshall, her grandchildren, Donna Jackson of Belleville, Mike VanArman of Sterling Heights, Becky (Robert) Wilbur and Ben Camp of Marshall, her great-grandchildren Samantha, Noah, and Gabriel Jackson, Miranda and Meadow VanArman, and Michael Wilbur, her sister Nancy Mellette of Topock, AZ; and many nieces and nephews. Judy is also survived by her life long best friend, Sidney Hicks of Marshall, and of course her beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Lucky. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Ernest, James, John, Virgil , Everett, and Grandville Setser, and her sisters Pearl, Tess and Leona. Friends may call at Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home on Monday from 9AM-9PM, where family will be present 2PM to 4PM and 6PM to 8PM to greet friends and share memories. Funeral services to celebrate her life and her Lord will be held on Tuesday at 11AM at Kempf Funeral Home with Mr. Jason Schick of Marshall Church Of Christ officiating. Interment will follow in Oakridge Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Marshall Church Of Christ or American Heart Association. Assistance with memorials available at Kempf Funeral Home.