Early in the morning on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Judith (Judy) Kay Lewis passed away at the age of 85. On a small family farm near Vicksburg, Michigan, Judy was born to Alva and Helen (Hall) Switzer on May 6, 1940. She was Elvin (Sonny) and Norma's baby sister, but eventually she became the middle child, when sisters Fran and then Patty completed the family. Judy often talked about life on the farm. She remembered how difficult it was when her father fulfilled his honorable duty and left home to fight in World War II. Eventually they welcomed him home, and the family returned to farming. Judy was required to pitch in and pitch hay, as well as other chores required by farm life. But there was also a lot of fun and mischief with cousins and friends.

Junior high crushes and high school dates became distant memories when Judy met the soon-to-be love of her life, a farm boy from Athens named Eli Lewis. Shortly after graduating from Vicksburg High School in 1958, she went on a blind date set up by friends. That tall, thin, handsome man had a smile that won her heart. He proposed, she accepted, and they said "I do" on August 30, 1958. Just a year later, they became a family of three when Shellie was born, followed closely by Polly, and then Tim. Dan was born in 1964, completing "the Lewis kids." Judy loved all animals, and the family never was without a pet. Among the many animals she rescued were cats, dogs, a racoon, even a snapping turtle, making sure that they all ended up with a good home, even if it wasn't hers. Once she rescued a mouse whose tail was caught in a trap. She asked Eli to let it go outside because it was Christmas morning. For many years Judy and Eli enjoyed attending the annual Michigan Great Lakes International Draft Horse Show in Lansing. No horse's face could go un-kissed.

Judy was an avid reader, particularly enjoying historical fiction. She read many books to her children and grand- children. She also wrote several short stories for her grandchildren, which she read to them when they all gathered for their annual sleepover, and on their annual day trip to Yankee Springs while sipping on hearty mugs of chocolate milk after the exhausting but fun hike. Caring for her family was Judy's joy. She was a wonderful cook, and she baked the most amazing pies, often sharing them with others. She felt blessed when she could help people. She showed compassion to many who were of- ten overlooked; she sang to and visited with people in nursing homes; and she encouraged people in hard times. That compassion was probably the reason she absolutely loved working in the Vicksburg Community Schools, most recently as a parapro for several years before her retirement. She enjoyed a lasting friendship with her student and his family beyond his high school graduation.

Judy and Eli discovered a wonderful life in Jesus Christ early in their married years, and from then on were very involved in and devoted to the churches they attended and loved, and they raised their children to know and understand the importance of salvation in Christ and living a life to honor God. She prayed almost every day for every member of her family by name. That took some time, as she and Eli have 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. And she was very proud of her family. After 64 years of marriage to the man who always held her hand, Eli passed away on October 20, 2022. Judy was heartbroken and longed every day to be with him again. And so, by the grace of God, she is. Judy was also preceded in death by their first child, Shellie Lewis Bladen in 1995, by grandson-in-law Ethan Leasure, her brother Elvin Switzer, sisters Norma Suess and Fran Rigney, and her parents.

Surviving Judy are their children: Polly (and Jeff) Preston, Tim (and Gail) Lewis, and Dan (and Patti) Lewis; as well as her special dog, Annie. All thirteen grandchildren also remain: Stefan (and Heather) Bladen, Shane (and Kim) Bladen, Seth (and Stacey) Bladen, Shannon (and Aaron) Pitre, Tina Preston Garner, Amy Leasure, Brad Preston (and Samantha Kobb), Mindy (and Jacob) Mikel, Hollie (and David) Beeman, Tyler (and Becca) Lewis, Emma (and Daniel) Kuruvilla, Olivia Lewis, and Elijah Lewis. Judy is also survived by 23 great-grandchildren, her sister Patty (and Milan) Bittenbender, and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00, and the funeral will begin at 11:00, officiated by close family friend Rev. Ed Courtney, all at ChapNaz, 7520 East U Ave., Vicksburg. Friends and family will then gather at Boughton Cemetery in Scotts, where Judy will be laid to rest with Eli and Shellie. A luncheon will follow at the church. Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at eickhofffuneralhome.com.

When reflecting upon her life, Judy didn't want to be portrayed as a wonderful person. She recognized her faults and shortcomings, and even her failures. But perfection is not a requirement. Neither is it a possibility. She wanted to be the person God wanted her to be. A life lived well.