Judy Rosenow

Judy Rosenow was a loving wife, supportive mother, and treasured grandmother. Passionate about people from an early age, she spent a large majority of her life selflessly serving the needs of others. Judy will be remembered for her feisty attitude and ability to express her opinions frankly. There is no doubt that nothing brought her greater joy than the moments she spent with her family. Judy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In the year 1939, Lou Gehrig retired from the New York Yankees, the much-loved classic film, The Wizard of Oz held its Hollywood premiere, and the first commercial air flight crossed the Atlantic Ocean. On July 2nd of that same year, amidst these exciting times, Judy was born in Peoria, Illinois. She was adopted and raised by her aunt and uncle bringing immense joy to their hearts and home.

Growing up, Judy enjoyed a typical childhood of the times. She had a Scottish terrier named Scotty who was always at heals, following her every move. After finishing school, she met her husband, Arco. She was dating his best friend at the time, but Arco won her heart with his charm and smile. The happy couple joined in marriage on July 7, 1957. Together, they welcomed four wonderful children into their family home.

As a mother, Judy was active in her children’s lives. Their number one cheerleader, there simply wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for them. She loved to cook and always made more than enough to go around! Over the years, she harvested tomatoes and fresh vegetables from the family’s forty-six-acre property in Chillicothe, Illinois. She was always in the garden tending to the flowers, weeding, and enjoying the warm sunshine. She also enjoyed baking pies for every occasion.

When her youngest son was in elementary, Judy decided to go back to school. A natural caregiver, she chose the field of nursing and earned her LPN degree from Illinois Central College. Judy felt blessed to work at a facility helping women with drug abuse issues. As a result, she helped care for their children in the process. She later went on to work at nursing homes and became a medications nurse. Her passion for people made this a perfect fit as she listened to the stories of her patients.

Judy and Arco were popular dancers and well known throughout Illinois. People would quickly stand aside and watch in wonder as the couple floated across the dance floor. Swing dancing was simply part of them. Remarkable to note, they never took any lessons. They danced with their kids and simply found profound joy in moving with the music. Their marriage is a beautiful tapestry created from dancing their way through life together.

Judy held a wide variety of interests over the years. In addition to the garden, she loved her pets. Her last one, a beagle named Buddy, was a special companion. She liked to tell her friends about her adventurous side, particularly about rides on the motorcycle, including a sunrise tour around the coast and islands in South Carolina. She enjoyed traveling with friends and family. On one trip to Disney World with her daughter and grandson, she mustered the courage to ride one of the roller coasters. To her surprise as the ride started, she learned it was almost completely in the dark! True to her spunky personality, Judy had a few choice words for her daughter and grandson afterward!

Another memorable trip was accompanying her family to Yellowstone. She stayed in a motel, while her son roughed it in a camper. One day, he thought he’d locked the keys inside the van. His frustration quickly grew, and he was nearly ready to break a window. Luckily, Judy walked to the passenger side and calmly said, “Did you know the window is rolled down?” There was never a dull moment with Judy around!

She continued her love of baking pies. For several years, she made her grandson his favorite cherry pie for special events. Even though cherry pie was not actually his favorite, he never said a word! A natural competitor, she also loved playing board games with her family and keeping everyone entertained. As long as Judy was spending time with her family, her heart was content.

Her beautiful smile and the twinkle in her eye were always present. Deeply loved, her warm and light-hearted approach to life will be missed. May her collection of special memories touch the hearts of her many treasured friends and loved ones forevermore.

Judy Rosenow died on January 1, 2024. Surviving are Judy's four children: Kim Armstrong, Kary (Colleen) Rosenow, Kelly Kahler, and Kory (Chele) Rosenow; 15 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. Visit Judy's webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories or photos. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI (269) 375-2900.