Judy Loureen (Ray) VanDaele, 72, of Monroe, Michigan, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025, after an unexpected hospitalization at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan.
Judy was born to Hubert and Florence (Parks) Ray on April 25, 1953, in Kentucky. One of eight children, she grew up in the state of Texas. Judy graduated from Killeen High School before marrying the love of her life, William (Bill) VanDaele on October 2, 1970. They recently celebrated their 55th anniversary together.
Judy spent her adult life in Michigan, surrounded in love by Bill's family. They welcomed three daughters, Jennifer (Robert) VanDaele-Coury, Karen (Steven) Bronson, and Kristi (Jeff) Kostoff. In her children's early years, Judy volunteered at their school before later becoming employed through Jefferson Schools. She earned an Associates Degree, PC Support, from Monroe County Community College in 2002; and a Bachelors in Business Administration from Siena Heights in 2006. In 2010, Judy began her career at Monroe County Community College, where she was a coordinator of advanced research/prospect management and a compression planning facilitator, among her other roles. She retired in 2015.
Judy worked to make the world around her a better place. She loved unconditionally, and always found the best in people. She loved taking photos of her flowers, nature, and landscapes. She was an avid scrapbooker, animal lover, and Hallmark Christmas movie watcher. She walked every day, and frequently swam at the YMCA and Jefferson Rec Center. Judy also loved to travel with Bill, whether it was a quick road trip to see the fall colors or flying to a new place to explore. She loved both her Texas and Michigan families and worked hard to bring both together for her daughters.
Judy is survived by her husband and children; her grandchildren, Jacob (Cheyenne) Schmidt, Jeremiah (Kendall) Schmidt, Jesse (Jennifer) Schmidt, Jared (Allysen) Schmidt, Alaric (Taylor) Coury, Sebastian (Marissa) Coury, Wyatt (Kayla) Bronson, Evan Bronson, Mitchell Kostoff, Owen Kostoff, and Alyssa Kostoff; and great grandchildren, Sawyer, Remington, William (Liam), Sophia, Izabella, Oaklynn, Harper, Marisa, Roy, Jeremiah Junior, I'Iessa, Harlan, and Lucas; and two siblings, Nancy (John) Alexander and Skeeter Ray.
She was preceded in death by her parents, five siblings, Bobby Ray, James Ray, Peggy Benner, Martha Davis, and Janice Sweet; and her nephews, Bobby Sweet, Gaylon Sweet, Floyd Davis, Michael Davis, and Richard Benner.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 21, 2025 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday. Pastor Adam Davis, pastor of Elevate Church, will officiate. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, LaSalle.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of Monroe County.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .