Obituary of Judith Bernice Straub

Judith Bernice “Judy” Straub was born on October 12, 1941 in Britton, Michigan. She was the only child born to the union of Benjamin and Louise (Rosenbaum) VanEtten.  Judy attended Britton High School, graduating with the class of 1959. 

On April 8, 1961, Judy married the love of her life, John Straub and together they enjoyed sixty-one years of marriage prior to his passing on March 16, 2023.  The couple were blessed with three children: Kathy, Douglas, and Amy.  Judy’s true passion in life was the relationship she had with her children and grandchildren.  As a homemaker she thrived, knowing that it was truly her life work.  She loved canning vegetables and preparing home cooked meals for her family, especially enjoyed sharing Sunday dinners and morning breakfasts.  She often used her canned items to prepare her specialty “hot sauce”, macaroni and cheese, or a heaping plate of pasta. 

Judy was nurturing to all she met.  She went out of her way to make sure that others were well cared for.  This love guided her and John to become foster parents for the State of Michigan, further providing for many children in Monroe County over the course of many years.

Judy loved sewing and eventually turned this passion into her own business doing alterations for clients.  Whether she was hemming a prom dress or a wedding gown, a person could be assured that the project was guaranteed to be done right. She enjoyed taking aerobics and swimming classes at Dundee High School.  Judy appreciated a good glass of wine and loved visiting garage sales.  She in fact was the queen of garage saleing, often making these trips a family adventure.  Her children stated that Judy, “never met a garage sale she didn’t like”.

Judith Bernice “Judy” Straub, age 82 passed away on Thursday; March 21, 2024, surrounded by her family at the ProMedica Charlotte Stephenson Senior Living Community.  She was under the care of Hospice of Lenawee. Her passing was preceded by her parents: Benjamin and Louise VanEtten and her husband John Straub.

To cherish Judith’s memory, she leaves two daughters:  Kathy Straub of Monroe, Michigan and Amy (Mark) Szabo of Petersburg, Michigan; a son: Douglas (Lee Ann) Straub of Onsted, Michigan; six grandchildren: David (Jess) Szabo, Lindsay (Scott) Harold, Zachary Szabo, Noah Szabo, Hillary (Mike) Calvrid, and Nick (Corey) Straub; and nine great grandchildren.

Friends may gather on Monday; March 25, 2024, from 3:00pm until 6:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156.  A Celebration of Judith’s Life will be on Tuesday; March 26, 2024 at 11:00am also at Merkle’s with Pastor Bobby Baum officiating.  A procession to Ridgeway Cemetery in Tecumseh, Michigan will follow.

In Lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Hospice of Lenawee; 1903 Wolf Creek Highway, Adrian, Michigan 49221.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.