Julia Ann Starnal

She was born on July 24, 1935, to Delbert and Zella Marshall in Danville, Illinois. Judy had one older brother, Tex Marshall, who was very dear to her. She grew up in Dowagiac, Michigan, and graduated from Dowagiac Central High School in 1953, where friends described her as sweet. Close friends and family would remain important throughout her life, and she prioritized maintaining relationships.

Judy celebrated over 30 years of marriage to William (Bill) Starnal, from 1956 until 1989. During that time her life changed profoundly with the arrival of her son, Cary, in 1967. By that time, she had settled in Elkhart, Indiana, where she would live until her retirement in 2000. A devoted full-time mother, Judy found great joy in raising Cary. When he reached his teenage years, she returned to the workforce, working in retail and as a bank teller before becoming the receptionist at Dexter Axle, a role she held until retirement. Her infectious and playful personality made her a perfect fit for welcoming people both in person and over the phone. She was known for her kindness and warmth to everyone she met.

Being near the water was always central to her leisure life. For many years, she spent summer weekends at her parents' cottage on Scott Lake in Michigan and later enjoyed time on the family boat at Lake Wawasee in Indiana.

Judy had a deep love for dogs. Jet, Puddles, JoJo, and Buttons were especially dear to her.

She enjoyed collecting a variety of items including seashells, Hummel figurines, coins, and all things pelican.

In 2000, Judy retired to Cape Coral, Florida, where she built a house next door to her best friend and developed a network of retiree friends from the same area. She loved the sun and the beach. Despite her love for Florida, and being a lifelong University of Michigan fan, she chose to relocate to Ohio in 2009 following the birth of her granddaughter, Deborah. Family was always at the center of her life.

Her other interests included tennis, picnics, miniature golf, and taking countless photos of her son.

Judy is survived by her son, Cary Starnal; daughter-in-law, Beverly Starnal; granddaughter, Deborah Eliana Starnal; and sister-in-law, Judith Marshall.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Tex Marshall, and former husband, Bill Starnal.

Per her wishes, there will be no public viewing or funeral services. She will be cremated, and her ashes will be distributed at a later date by her son.

The family plans to hold a private celebration of life in Ohio in the near future, open to close family and friends.

Additional photos to those posted here are viewable at: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/bizdydcgixo289sdefyb5/AKtn-SLRl7I8WU6VU5rg0F4?rlkey=7lr424px97i1zbw8tf5ywkg9o&st=mzybbndm&dl=0