Judy Birtles

Judy Birtles
Age 77, of Mio, Michigan, peacefully passed away on December 8, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Judy was born on March 30, 1947, in Warsaw, Indiana, to Olga (Lill) and Hubert Zehner.
Judy was known for her passion and talent in twirling batons during high school, earning numerous awards for her skill. She spent many years in Alaska, where she attended Barber College and enjoyed a fulfilling career cutting hair. Judy also loved spending time with friends and family, indulging in her hobbies, which included playing cards, shuffleboard, Scrabble, and bingo.
Judy was a proud member of the Mio Moose Lodge and the Grayling Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Together with her husband, Rick, Judy cherished spending winters at the beach in South Carolina, where they enjoyed golfing and socializing with friends. Their love for the outdoors was a central part of their life, especially during their years in Michigan. Judy and Rick were passionate about sharing nature with their grandchildren, creating cherished memories. They enjoyed filling bird feeders in the spring, building protective barriers around turtle nests in the summer, chopping wood in the fall, and keeping a careful watch over the porch in the winter, ushering away curious bears. These simple yet meaningful moments became treasured traditions for their family. Judy will be lovingly remembered for her unwavering devotion to God, family, and the traditions she held dear. Her home radiated a welcoming warmth, filled with antiques, memories, and stories that spanned generations. She was a woman who lived her faith, and her nurturing spirit was felt by everyone who knew her. Judy’s legacy will live on forever in the future generations of her family. From the cherished stories she told to the recipes she passed down, she instilled a love that will continue to shape the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for years to come.
She is survived by her three children: Tammy of Kincheloe, Michigan; Steve of Pennsylvania; and Dawn of Mio, Michigan. Judy is also survived by seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Judy was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband Rick Birtles, who passed away in February of 2024. Judy was the oldest sibling and leaves behind five sisters: Karen (Ron) Morehouse of West Lafayette; Sandy (Rick) Dawson of Kingman, IN; Tonya (Tony) Letson of Lafayette; Sherrie (Steve) Read of Piermont, NH; and Katrina (Tom) Snyder of Chicago, IL. Judy was also predeceased by a brother, Alan.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Moose Lodge #1035, 1631 Ryno Road, Luzerne, Michigan 48636.
Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio