Judith Kay Yentz, age 81, of Monroe, Michigan, peacefully passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025, at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, surrounded by loved ones as she went home to be with the Lord.
Born on August 13, 1943, in Monroe, Michigan, Judith was the daughter of Isaac Ernest and Mildred Ruth (Peters) Grove. She grew up in Monroe and graduated from Monroe High School in 1961. Judith pursued her passion for cosmetology, attending Virgina Farrell Beauty School in Monroe and becoming a licensed hairdresser. She built a successful career, operating a salon called Hair Designs in Lansing, Michigan, where she forged lasting friendships with her clients.
In addition to her career, Judy had a wide array of interests, including attending the local Lansing theater and jazz performances, pencil sketching and framing, and watching Detroit Tiger baseball. She was an avid birdwatcher, particularly fond of watching hummingbirds, and enjoyed hunting for morel mushrooms in Alden, Michigan. Judy enjoyed baking her famous holiday pumpkin rolls, apricot muffins, and molasses cookies which will forever be missed by her family and friends.
In 2008, Judy returned to Monroe to be closer to her family and became a member of Grace Lutheran Church. Judy was a great listener, offering unwavering support to her friends and family. She looked forward to her Saturday morning stroll through Monroe's Farmers Market followed by breakfast with her friend Julie.
Judith was preceded in death by Karl Yentz of Monroe, the father of her two sons, and her two sisters, Phyllis Grove of Belleville, Michigan, and Susan Grove of Naples, Florida. She is survived by her brothers, Timothy Grove, Chari (Matteson) Grove of Saline, Michigan, and Douglas Grove, Judy (Tokraks) Grove of Traverse City, Michigan; her two sons, Fred Yentz and Christianne (Vacca) Yentz of Boca Raton, Florida, and Paul Yentz and Angela (Patterson) Yentz of Monroe; and five grandchildren: Emily (Yentz) Mutter, Andrew Mutter, Alessandra Yentz-Williams, Brad Williams, Zechariah Yentz, Gregory Yentz, and Michaella Yentz. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Bradley and Conrad. Judy was affectionately known as the "Favorite Aunt" by her 12 nieces and nephews and 14 great-nieces and nephews.
Judy's life was a beautiful reflection of kindness, creativity, and a deep love for her family and friends. Her memory will forever be cherished by all who knew her.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, beginning at 2:00 pm at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, Michigan, 48161, where funeral services celebrating Judy's life will be held that evening at 6:00 pm. Rev. Mark Witte, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, will officiate.
Rest in peace, Judy. You will be deeply missed.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .