Judith Carol “Judy” Sarvela
October 26th, 1948 - August 14th, 2023
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Judy's Obituary
Judith C. “Judy” Sarvela, 74, of St. Joseph, passed away on Monday, August 14, 2023, at Caretel Inns of Lakeland. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, August 18, at 1 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Pastor Andrea Brock officiating. Burial will follow at Hickory Bluff Cemetery in Stevensville. Friends may visit with the family from 11 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Judy was born on October 26, 1948 in Wynne, AR to JB & Clara (Williams) Witcher. On June 30, 1972, she married the love of her life, Carter Sarvela in St. Joseph. The two were happily married for 40 years before his passing 2012. Judy worked in the retail industry throughout her life, working 20 years at the former Rimes in downtown St. Joseph and at Meijer where she would retire after 23 years of employment. In 1991, Judy went back to school where she earned her high school diploma from Benton Harbor High School. Following retirement, Judy loved spending her time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One of her favorite activities with them was picking strawberries and getting grapes to make it into jam & jelly. She also enjoyed crocheting and cooking for her family; with her staple dish of ‘breakfast for dinner’.
Judy is survived by her children, Monica (Jack) Berry of Graysville, TN, Brian (Jaime) Sarvela of Chattanooga, TN, and Brigitte (Todd) Kelley of St. Joseph; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Marilyn Qualls; and daughter-in-law, Cyndi Aldrich of Miami, FL. She was preceded in death by her parents, JB & Clara Witcher; loving husband of 40 years, Carter; son, Brian Aldrich; grandson, Weston Aldrich; three brothers and two sisters.
Judy was born on October 26, 1948 in Wynne, AR to JB & Clara (Williams) Witcher. On June 30, 1972, she married the love of her life, Carter Sarvela in St. Joseph. The two were happily married for 40 years before his passing 2012. Judy worked in the retail industry throughout her life, working 20 years at the former Rimes in downtown St. Joseph and at Meijer where she would retire after 23 years of employment. In 1991, Judy went back to school where she earned her high school diploma from Benton Harbor High School. Following retirement, Judy loved spending her time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One of her favorite activities with them was picking strawberries and getting grapes to make it into jam & jelly. She also enjoyed crocheting and cooking for her family; with her staple dish of ‘breakfast for dinner’.
Judy is survived by her children, Monica (Jack) Berry of Graysville, TN, Brian (Jaime) Sarvela of Chattanooga, TN, and Brigitte (Todd) Kelley of St. Joseph; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Marilyn Qualls; and daughter-in-law, Cyndi Aldrich of Miami, FL. She was preceded in death by her parents, JB & Clara Witcher; loving husband of 40 years, Carter; son, Brian Aldrich; grandson, Weston Aldrich; three brothers and two sisters.
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