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Judith Ann Rodocker

August 29, 1939 - April 26, 2021
Kalamazoo, MI

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Visitation

Friday, April 30, 2021
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM EDT
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900
Driving Directions

Graveside Services

Saturday, May 1, 2021
11:00 AM EDT
Lakeview Cemetery
at the corner of East and Francis Street
Nashville, MI 49073
Map

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Rose Arbor Hospice
5473 Croyden Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49006
(269) 345-8910
Driving Directions
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Judie Rodocker enjoyed surrounding herself with the family she so loved. She loved to entertain her family during the holidays as well as gather together for large celebrations. A fabulous baker, she enjoyed taking her special homemade batches of cookies to her grandchildren’s softball and lacrosse games and tournaments to share with their teammates. Known to be active throughout her life, Judy will be sincerely missed by her many special friends and loved ones.

Despite the 1930s starting out economically unstable, there were shining moments at the end of the decade. By 1939, Lou Gehrig retired from the New York Yankees, the classic film, The Wizard of Oz held its Hollywood premiere, and the first commercial air flight crossed the Atlantic Ocean. That same year, Judith Ann, was the first born daughter to her loving parents. Later followed by her younger brother, Donald, her birth brought much joy and happiness to the family home.

Growing up in Nashville, her dad was a welder and owned his own business and her mom was a homemaker. Judie was a “town” girl not a “country girl which was established well into her later years by her attention to fashion and current trends. A good student, Judie made the cheerleading team and graduated with the Class of 1957 from Maple Valley High School in Nashville. During this time she met Gary Rodocker, the man who would steal her heart forever on a blind date. They were inseparable during their two years of dating and joined in marriage on February 23, 1957. Together they welcomed home and raised two loving daughters, Robyn and Keyle.

As a mother, Judie instilled in her children the value of being strong and independent. Balancing her work outside the home, she taught them both how to cook and garden. She loved Delphiniums and many others later in life. Judie had many special talents in the kitchen and had perfected her delicious banana and chocolate cream pies over the years. When they were young, the girls remember that she often blamed the resident ghost, Oliver for any mishaps in the household. Everyone in the family played along. Judie spent a large majority of her working years in insurance agencies. Ambitious as well as successful, she was an Executive Vice President with IBA Insurance Company and then Sanford Insurance Company for over twenty five years. Torn between her career and role as a mother, Judie was never one to show her true feelings. She came across as professional and business like yet later showed more affection as a grandmother when the demands of her career and responsibilities at home slowed down.

Her retirement years afforded her the time for her many special pastimes. She and Gary enjoyed many special trips. She always enjoyed visiting Gatlinburg. Judy loved going to the movies, spending time on their powerboat, and enjoying their home in Pentwater. Once settled in Pentwater, they purchased a pontoon for everyone to enjoy. The little bit of country in her was shown in her love of the country musician, Blake Shelton. An avid QVC shopper, the popular shopping network knew her on a first name basis! As a result of her Crohn's disease, she spent the past ten years in a wheelchair. She justified her purchases on clothing, accessories, and Opium perfume as necessary so that others would be more likely to help her get around in her chair! No matter the occasion, Judie always looked her best!

The last five years Judie lived with her daughter Robyn and Michael. Despite her constant pain, she never complained. At times, the increased pain caused her mood to seem abrupt yet deep down her family knew that they were loved beyond measure. Judie wanted nothing more than the very best for each and every one of them. Sharing in their successes was her greatest joy. May they always reflect on the many ways she cared for them and may her warm memories live on eternally in their hearts for years to come.

Judith Ann Rodocker died peacefully on April 26, 2021 at Rose Arbor Hospice. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary and by her brother, Donald. Members of her family include her daughters, Robyn (Michael) Thomas and Keyle Rodocker–Carlson both of Kalamazoo. Six loving grandchildren; Brandon (Cheryl) Thomas, Adam (Kyle) Belz-Thomas, Meghan (Ryan) DeVries, Sarah (Megan) Thomas, Kaleb (Molly) Carlson, and Logan (Morgan) Carlson. Eight endearing great-grandchildren; Amelia, Madilyn, Charlotte, Maxwell, Landon, Harper, Jacob, and Alexandra. Cremation will take place. A Life Story Visitation will be held Friday (APR 30) from 5PM – 7PM at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Graveside services will be held Saturday (MAY 1) 11AM at Lakeview Cemetery, Nashville. Please visit Judith’s personal web page at www.BetzlerLifeStory.com, where you can read her life story, archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Rose Arbor Hospice.

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