Judith "Judy" Rathbun's Obituary
Judith L. “Judy” (Kelley) Rathbun, 86, passed away October 16 at home surrounded by loved ones. She was born February 5, 1935, to Dan and Margaret (Barber) Kelley in Muskegon and was a lifelong resident. After attending Michigan State University and traveling, she married her Muskegon High School sweetheart, Norman L Rathbun on October 15, 1960. Norm preceded her in death on August 25, 2021, the longest time they had ever been apart. She was a beautiful woman both inside and out who adored her family. She was an entrepreneur as well, opening the Candy Basket with good friend Bernie DeVoursney that serviced the areas sweet tooth’s for years. Her smile would light up a room and she had a gift for putting people at ease. She loved being with and supporting her family. She and Norm never missed their children’s and grandchildren’s events. She was a big Michigan State Spartan fan sharing Norm’s love for attending both their football and basketball games. She is survived by the children she adored Tim (Candace) Rathbun, Deb DeVoursney (Jon Smalley), Craig (Tiffany) Rathbun; and 6 beloved grandchildren Bobby (Nan), Mike (Tarin), and Steffany DeVoursney, Katie, Paige Judith, and John Rathbun; and 2 great grandchildren due soon. She also loved her extended family on both the Kelley and Rathbun sides: Rich (Barb) Kelley, John (Sheri) Kelley,sister-in-law Cheri Kelley, Bill Rathbun and all her nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by Chuck (Bev) Kelley, Danny Kelley, Barb Rathbun, Phil (Pat) Rathbun. Special thanks and love to Patrick Kelley, her daily caregiver and friend who cared for her with such compassion and grace. A celebration of life for both Norm and Judy will be held Thursday, October 21, at 3:30 pm at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Muskegon’s Kids’ Food Basket.
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