Judy K. Carnes' Obituary
Judy Kay Carnes, age 81, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025. She was born on March 21, 1944, in Muskegon to Howard E. and Isabelle W. (Leitch) Wheeler and was a lifelong resident. She graduated from Muskegon Catholic Central High School and received her associates degree from Muskegon Business College. Judy married Ronald D. Carnes on April 30, 1966, and they shared 49 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on Friday, June 19, 2015. Judy worked as a judicial secretary at Muskegon County Courthouse for 38 years. She was proud of her career and ran a tight ship earning the respect of many attorneys and judges who she proudly served. Several of her colleagues remained important life-long friends. She was a long-time member of the Muskegon Irish American Society and enjoyed attending events. Judy was a friend to all dogs. She could often be found reading a book in her garage in a lawn chair, greeting her neighbors at Just Off The Green Condos and passing out dog treats. Judy enjoyed a great quality of life at Seminole Shores Assisted Living for nearly a year, where she described the staff as “all sweeties”. She continued to focus on the most important things: a fresh hairdo every Friday, glittery manicure every month, Bob Evans breakfast with lifelong friends Ken & Dorothy, dinner with her great nephews Thomas & Jeff, calling Suzie, and chatting with friends who visited often.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ronald, and sister Patricia Frishett. She is survived by her great nephew, Thomas A. Serio (Jeff Cave). A Memorial Service will be held for Judy at 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI, 49444. Following the service there will be a time of fellowship in the Lee Chapel Family Center, with some of Judy’s favorite breakfast items being served. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Harbor Hospice Foundation. Please sign the family’s online guestbook and share memories at https://sytsemafh.com
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