Judy Kay Stark

Judy Kay Stark age 66 of Midland died at Gratiot Community Hospital on Monday, December 19, 2011. Judy was born on February 11, 1945 to Duane and Frances Allen of Ithaca, MI. As a child and teenager Judy traveled with her parents throughout most of the fifty states and all of the Provinces of Canada as part of her father's career. After school she worked for Dow Chemical for several years. She then married Arthur Dennis Stark on August 27, 1966 and traveled with his career for several years. During that period she had a great daughter and son that were the best things that could have happened to her. Besides the joy of her children were her five granddaughters. They thrilled her endlessly. She followed them in sports, school activities and all of their main endeavors, loving every minute of it. She loved to spend time with each of them on shopping trips. Judy worked for a local retailer for 14 years where she cared very much for the owners, coworkers and customers.

Judy is survived her husband Dennis and best friend of 45 years; her beloved daughter Denise Terwilliger and her husband Michael of Mt. Pleasant and her beloved son Ray Stark of Grand Rapids and her forever cherished granddaughters Riley, Hadyn, Anna, Karis Terwilliger and Payton Stark. Besides her parents, Duane and Frances Allen, she was preceded in death by her precious grandson Brett Terwilliger and nephew John P. O'Sullivan. She also is leaving behind brothers Jack Allen and wife Darlene, Jerry Allen and his wife Evelyn, sister in law Janis Keenon and her husband Michael and many aunts, uncle, nieces and nephews. She is also leaving behind her very good traveling pals and confidantes Janis, Bonnie and Cheryl and the good times they had.

Judy started a tradition with her husband Dennis, that whenever he left for work or even to go to the store, she would wave goodbye out the front door until she could no longer see him. She passed on this tradition to her kids Denise and Ray and to all her grandchildren. It was that simple hand and blowing of kisses that got them all through the day and to return home safely. It was the last image they saw when gong out into the world. It was a very warm feeling and sort of sense that everything was going to be okay. Today, Judy's family wishes to wave goodbye to her as she drives down the driveway to heaven, to assure her everything will be okay and that she will go home safely. We love you mom, you kept us strong and you can be assured that your tradition will be carried out with our families. Goodbye, wife, and mom. We will see you again in heaven.

Funeral service for Judy will be conducted at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 22, 2011 from the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home with the Pastor John Hagerman of the New Hope Church of Sumner, MI officiating. Interment will be in Homer Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm. and on Thursday from 10:00 am until time of service. Memorials may be offered to Mid Michigan Home Health Care or Berryhill Post, American Legion Baseball Program