Judy Lee Weessies
October 7, 1941 – February 22, 2026
Friends and family will gather to celebrate Judy’s well-lived life on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Valley Family Church, 2500 Vincent Ave, Portage, MI 49024. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am. with a Celebration of Life to commence immediately after at 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow the service at the same location. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alternatives Care Centers – Kalamazoo or to Centrica Care Navigators (hospice services) in her honor, c/o the funeral home. Friends and family may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.
Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Judy Lee Weessies of Portage, Michigan, who transitioned to her heavenly home on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at the age of 84. Judy was a cherished wife, mother, sister, grandmother and member of the community, known for her kindness, generosity, empathy and unwavering faith. Born on October 7, 1941, she touched the lives of so many with her warmth and compassion.
Judy is survived by her husband of 63 years, Marvin J. Weessies; her children, Tamara (Weessies) Stamm (Charles “Chuck”), Brent Weessies (Stacey), Lynette (Weessies) Tuttle (Michael “Mike”); her grandchildren Brianna (Stamm) Ferris (Stephen), Kyle Stamm, Megan (Weessies) Fata (James “Jimmy”), Morgan Weessies, Jacob Tuttle (Sydney), Jorie Tuttle and Annalee Tuttle; great grandchildren Coen Ferris, Uriah Ferris, Lilah Fata and Lowen Fata; her siblings, Larry Witters (Elaine) and Terri (Witters) Balogh (George). We will forever hold her memory close to our hearts.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Ninalee (Bishop) Witters and brother James Witters.
Judy’s legacy of love, faith and kindness lives on today through the many lives she touched. First as a devoted wife and mother, she instilled faith in her children who all serve their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to this day. She and Marvin were/are lifetime servants of God, having served in multiple capacities both inside and outside the Church. She also nurtured and inspired faith in her seven grandchildren, spending many hours over the years sharing her love of Jesus and the Bible with them. In addition to family, Judy introduced many others to the love of God through her personal testimony, through hosting many individuals and families in their home and spending one-on-one time offering counsel and guidance to struggling and hurting ones. Judy particularly loved leading Small Groups and Bible Studies, often as a team with husband Marv.
Judy was especially passionate about protecting the unborn and serving women with unplanned pregnancies through (then) Crisis Pregnancy Centers of Kalamazoo, (now known as Alternatives Care Centers – Kalamazoo) and serving on their board of directors. She also volunteered as an election worker for decades as she was passionate about participating in our democratic processes. For many years, she was an income tax preparer, both professionally and privately, often providing free or low-cost services to the elderly and others in need.
Judy was one of the kindest people I have known in my lifetime. She was an absolutely beautiful soul. Love you cousin.
I miss you already, but am so happy that you are in heaven now and your Alzheimer’s is no more. Thank you for being the best big sister. I could always call you anytime. You were always there to pray with me, give spiritual advice, the list goes on and on! I’m so thankful for everything you have done for me and cherish all the beautiful memories I have and the time we were able to spend together. I’m sure you have your dancing shoes on and are walking on those beautiful streets of gold!! I Love You Jude!!! 💜💜
The Portage Central Class of 1976 sends our condolences to our classmate Terri and her family on the loss of their loved one.
Weessies Family, I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Judy. Although it’s been many years since I’ve seen all of you, the memories from my childhood remain vivid and close to my heart. I often think about the special times our families shared at Big Star Lake and at your home in Portage — those are moments I will always cherish. Judy was always so kind, warm, and loving. She modeled Christ’s love so beautifully, and it was evident in the way she and your family embraced and treated all of us Rossbacks as part of your own. I’m grateful knowing she is no longer burdened by earthly illness and is now rejoicing in heaven. I can only imagine the joy of her reunion there — I’m sure my dad welcomed her with a big hug. I look forward to the day we will see her again. Until then, please know I’m praying for all of you during this difficult time. Love you all.
Judy was a mentor to me many years ago but more than that she was a dear friend. Judy walked in the love of Christ. She always had time to listen and share words of life. I loved her big beautiful smile and hugs! I’m so thankful for her and will remember her always in my heart.
We know the Weessies family by being neighbors at Big Star Lake for well over 40 years. No one could have had a better situation (which also carries on today). Judy and Marv can only be described with superlatives and adjectives that all portray a wonderful couple and outstanding parents. The entire family is first class top to bottom. Judy was such a cornerstone in making all that be true. When one thinks about who they would like as a neighbor and friend, Judy is high on the list. We were always so glad when they were at the cottage the same weekends or days we were just to be able to share life together. When Brent called to notify our family of Judy’s passing, he said “Mom has gone to Jesus”. What a tremendous thing to be able to say. As Christians, our goal is just that and Judy lived life achieving it every day. She was a wonderful role model not only for her family but for those who were fortunate and blessed to know her. Her legacy will be well remembered and exemplified by us all.
To Marv: As a sales clerk at Libin’s, I got to know you and Judy. So sorry for your loss. Judy was a nice person. May she rest in peace.
Judy was a nice lady and it was a pleasure to be able to care for her during her last moments of life. She will be truly missed.