Obituary: Judy K. Miller, 82, of Pentwater

Judy Miller

Judy K. Miller, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her adoring family in the early hours of Sunday, May 11, 2025. Born on Saturday, November 7, 1942 in southern Indiana, Judy spent her life filling the lives of those she met with warmth and love.

Judy met and married Clyde—her one true love—just out of high school was a dedicated wife and mother of three.

Judy was a devoted Christian and had a lifelong relationship with Jesus. She lived a life of service and relished her role as a pastor’s wife during Clyde’s time as a Methodist minister. While the family spent most of their lives serving church communities in various Indiana and Michigan towns, she also spent a notable chapter of her life on mission in Colombia, where she gave birth to their youngest daughter. Judy was a talented pianist, learning and playing beautifully by ear, and used her gift to lead worship at church. She always exhibited her deep faith through actions, rather than words. Judy was fully surrendered to the will of God, and embraced each new day as a gift. She led by example, spreading the message of Christ to her friends and family through the way she lived, and loved.

Judy cherished the deep bond she shared with her siblings throughout her life. Their love and connection remained steadfast over the years. Judy relished her role as the eldest of four sisters and never wavered in her resolve to keep them close, no matter how far apart they lived. She attended their morning video calls with a smile and cheerful attitude each day, even when cancer made her every waking moment a battle against pain. She is now reunited with her dear sister, Jan Dognaux, her brother, John “Jay” Ricks, and her parents, John and Marjorie Ricks, who preceded her in death.

Judy leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love and devotion as a selfless matriarch.  She was her family’s north star, always offering her time, attention and affection to those she held dear, particularly those in need. A fantastic cook, Judy worked tirelessly in the kitchen to prepare meals that brought her family together, particularly during the holidays. She had a sharp and dry wit, always delivered with humility and a smile, bringing laughter and comfort to those around her. When she was not lavishing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with love, Judy found joy playing cards and board games, watching Michigan State sports, enjoying the beach and playing the piano.

Judy and Clyde spent the last decades of their life together in Pentwater, where their home was open to all and filled with love, laughter, great food, and many happy memories. Judy believed that the Lord gave them their idyllic wooded lot to be a retreat for their family and friends. She embodied the spirit of hospitality, warmly welcoming the never-ending stream of visitors who found her home to be a welcome break from the busyness of life.

She is survived by her husband, Clyde Miller; her sisters, Marla Sparks and Jodie Lucas; her children, Byron Miller (Libby), Dana Miller and Kari Moore (Kevin). She is also survived by her granchildren, Zachary (Paige), Whitney (Timothy), Jacob (Ashley), Elliot (Jordan), Tori, Matthew (Michelle), Dakota (Katie), Quinlynn (Dakotah), Michael (Rachel), Mark (Ally); great-grandchildren, Julia (David), Jack, Henry, Rosemary Judith, Jordy, Clyde, Percy, Ainsley, Brecken, Louie, Jasper, Remi, Chloe, Mia, Evvy.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Pentwater, 101 S Rush St, Pentwater. Visitation will take place one hour before the celebration of life service.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to First Baptist Church of Pentwater.  The funds will be used in Judy’s memory for the  organization “Unknown Nations”.

Everyone is invited to celebrate the Life of Judy.