Judith Rae Ross

She is survived by her loving husband, David Ross; three children, Lynne (Sky) Cheney, Alan (Miriam) Ross and Rachel Ross; three grandchildren, Matthew (Michaela) Ross, Robert Cheney and Rebecca Cheney; two brothers James Robert (Sandra) Meinhardt and Joseph Randall (Carol) Meinhardt and countless nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Carl & Marjory Meinhardt and her brother and sister in-law, John Richard and Betty Meinhardt.

She was born August 14, 1943 in Columbus, Ohio. She grew up in Columbus, Ohio but spent many summers on the shores of Crystal Lake near Carson City, Michigan. She absolutely loved spending time on or near the water. She loved to fish, swim, water ski and ride on the shoulders of her brothers while they water skied. The Meinhardts were well known for their various skills and tricks on the water. She dearly loved her parents and three brothers and always looked forward to getting together with them at reunions. Her love for little furry animals started early too. With her beloved Skipper in her teens (that took a while to warm up to her new beau) to her last beagle Ernie, all were loved like family.

In fact, it was on the shores of Crystal that she met her future husband (Dave) on a blind double date. They quickly became a couple. But Judy and Dave were both in college at the time so they kept in touch through letters (including one on toilet paper when funds got low, and we have it to this day) and visits during the school year. As she got close to getting her degree in Dental Hygiene, Dave proposed, and she accepted. They were married June 20, 1964 after she completed her course, took her boards, drove up to Carson City and got married the next day. For those who knew her well, they could see a living example of how a wife could honor, respect and dearly love her husband, all 57 years, 11 months and 10 days.

Mom soon became a skilled Dental Hygienist. She was known over the years to be very thorough and gentle in her work. In fact, she told us that quite often she would be assigned the young kids. She tried very hard to make the kids' first experiences at the dentist one that was fun, never painful or scary. We can truly say as her children that we never had any discomfort after having mom clean our teeth. We would always get the lecture about flossing and missed spots and possible follow up later, so I guess that was a two edged sword.

Three years later, along came her first daughter, Lynne. Three years after that, a son, Alan. And seven years later a "bonus baby" (as Rachel always said). She loved spending time with her family. When she vacationed, it was with family. From the Grand Canyon trip, to the Smoky Mountains (including when the skunk stole all our marshmallows while we were roasting), to the many trips to camp at Yogi Bear campground in Indian River, to the shores of Yankee Springs State Park, all were taken as a family, and she always made them fun for all.

Although she loved her children, we believe she loved her grandchildren even more whether it is the two or four legged kind. In looking through the pictures to share during the memorial service, we noticed that there was hardly a picture that didn't include mom playing in the sand, "stringing up" the family room with yarn (including dad), crafting and reading to them. She was truly a kid at heart and loved to spend time with her grandchildren.

One day, Judy's life changed. It was in 1968 when she was at home, and there was a knock at the door. A woman was standing there and introduced herself as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. After a short conversation, she asked mom if she had any questions about the Bible. Mom said yes, she did. In fact, she was currently reading the book of Job and having trouble understanding it. She offered to come back and help her to understand the parts mom didn't grasp. Mom agreed. Those conversations led to a quick friendship and an in depth Bible study. Mom was never satisfied with someone telling her what the Bible said. She wanted to read it for herself. So every Bible teaching she knew or came to know, she researched in depth. She loved to study the Bible. She had a well worn Bible that she would use for cross reference that had six different versions including the Catholic Douay, the King James, the Revised Standard, Byington, the Kingdom Interlinear and so on. She would use these to help her to understand what God was trying to tell her in each of the scriptures she read. She dedicated her life to her God Jehovah and was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on July 25, 1969 in Lake Michigan while attending the "Peace on Earth" International Assembly at White Sox Park in Chicago, Illinois. You can see from the picture above how much joy it brought her when her husband, after 47 years, was likewise baptised as one of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Mom had many different hobbies. Sewing (she was extremely skilled), gardening (her flower garden that her father and her put in in 1972 still flourishes each spring), crocheting, needle point and canning. Although she loved each of these, she would use any of her extra time and energy telling others about her hope to live in paradise as Jehovah originally purposed for his human creation. (Genesis chapter 2) She firmly believed that, although humankind had strayed a long way from perfection, soon God would set up his own Kingdom again (Daniel 2:44) with Jesus as King. Jesus would transform the earth back to a paradise home again and wipe out all tears, sin and death. (Revelation 21:3-5) She did not fear death because she viewed it as Jesus described it when he spoke of his friend Lazarus as "sleeping". (John 11:11-15) She believed that during that kingdom rule, Jesus would call her back to life just like he did Lazarus. At that time, she believed that she would get to enjoy the company again of her parents, grandparents, brother and any others that preceded her in death. (John 5:28,29) If there is one thing she would want to say to each person who reads this, it's, read your Bible, study what it says, and pray to have an open mind to understand why God had this verse or account written, and how to apply it in your life.

Judy - cherished wife, dear mother, fun grandma, and beloved friend - you will be missed more than words can possibly express. We all thank you soooo much for the comfort you gave us with a listening ear, the kisses and cuddles when we scraped a knee or had our feelings hurt, your example of never giving up on your cherished beliefs.

Thanks Mom, we're gonna miss you!!!!

We would like to give a special thanks to Vickie and Deb at Country Crossing for the loving and compassionate care mom received, like she was part of your family.

Memorial Service details and Memorial Contributions may be found below.

Jehovah's Witnesses - https://www.jw.org/en/

Capital Humane Society - https://www.cahs-lansing.org/