Judith Kay Monette

Judith Kay Monette, age 73 of Warren, died Friday, July 17, 2020 at the Tivoli Senior Living Facility in Warren. She was born January 7, 1947 in Kenova, West Virginia, daughter of the late Frank and the late Susana (nee: Porter) Frazier.

A loving homemaker and mom, Judith was blessed to welcome twelve little souls into this life, and had her hands full with the chores and responsibilities that embodied her role,…but her arms were full of the love God gave her through each and every child.

In her earlier years, Judith had the joy of participating in a couple of sports, both softball and bowling. Excited to be a part of the league play that accompanied each of them, she found great satisfaction in sharing in the rewards of “team play” and the camaraderie that ensued. Fast-forward a few years, her children now grown, the games she enjoyed took on a bit of a different feel as one involved manipulating  a little hand-held device in computer gaming,…and the other was spent giving those One-Armed Bandits a run for their money at the casinos. Both had their own sense of competition and challenge, but Judith was always up for the task. On a bit more from her quieter side, Judith also enjoyed the pleasures of reading. When she was able to secure a little “me time” in the day, sitting down with a good book always provided a nice balance to any given day.

When it came to Judith’s musical leanings, there was never a question,…it was all about Country! And she never enjoyed it more than when she was on the dance floor line dancing. That’s right, baby,…kickin’ up those heels, while hoopin’ & a hollerin’ to the rhythm of the beat, brought her joy beyond measure. Yet listening and dancing to the music was just one aspect of Judith’s appreciation. She will also be remembered for her playing skills on the organ as well. With one in the home, every now & then you would hear those ivories being tickled as her fingers ushered a lilt of music that permeated through the house, and the hearts of all who could hear.

Another of Judith’s favorite pastimes involved shopping. Always on the lookout for a “good deal,”…she considered herself quite thrifty and frugal in her spending practices, yet would often arrive home and discover that she bought things she didn’t necessarily need,…because it was a “great savings.” But truth-be-told,…over the years, it’s quite possible that her frugality actually paid off.

Judith will fondly be regarded as one who was fiercely independent, especially when it came to matters of home and hearth. She possessed a strong will, a profound determination, and she wasn’t afraid to tell you where the bear pooped in the woods, either. One thing was for sure,…you never had to guess where Judith stood on matters. That assertive nature of hers shined in another area as well,…each time she got behind the wheel of a car. Known affectionately to all (especially family) as “Lead Foot,”…when taking a corner, one often wondered if she was on two wheels or four. And as aggressive as she was behind the steering wheel, she was equally boisterous from the back seat, too! If you weren’t toein’ the line in your driving skills, don’t be surprised if that “back seat driver” was about to give you a lesson.

Yet for as independent and assertive as her “lioness nature” could be, down deep inside resided  a beautiful kitten that adored and coveted the loved ones in her life,…and family always came first! Judith was a great listener who always seemed to be a fount of knowledge, and came with the best advice. She was the kind of person who always forgave and never judged, and treated others with the utmost in decency and respect. Judith absolutely adored her grandchildren, and loved being called, “Granny.” Between her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they numbered 33 in all, yet she had love for each of them in abundance. Equally as special to Judith was the incredibly close connection she shared with her sister, Brenda. They talked every day, sometimes more than once, and each coveted the others’ place in their life as if they were twins. Judith and Brenda were “siblings for the ages.”

Judith leaves behind an incredible legacy of love. She had some trials in life, but she also enjoyed some triumphs as well. This independent woman managed to raise some pretty strong kids,…and the story continues on. She leaves a storehouse of memories to be embraced by those who were blessed to know her,…she will be missed immensely and loved eternally.   

Judith was the beloved mother of Karen Monette, Donald (Patricia) Monette, Lawrence (Norma) Monette, Teresa (Julie) Libarkin, Colleen (Peter) Yodhes, Cindy (Patrick) Yodhes, Clyde “Buddy” (Dawn) Frye Jr., Michael (Mary) Frye, Amy Earl, William (Tina) Monette, the late Kathleen Wilson, the late Dennis Monette, and mother-in-law of Sandy Monette. Loving grandmother of 21 and great-grandmother of 12. Cherished sister of Brenda (the late Howard) Clay, and Charles “Butch” (Judy) Frazier.

Visitation for Judith will be held Tuesday, July 21st from 3-8 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. Her Funeral Service will take place on Wednesday, 11:00 am at the funeral home.

Memorial donations are welcomed to the American Lung Association, 1475 E. 12 Mile Road, Madison Heights, Michigan 48071,…or at www.lung.org  

Please share memories of Judith at her guest book below.