Judith E. Wood

Born on June 4, 1943, Judie was the youngest child of Ray and Ruth Keyes. She graduated from Portage Central High School and attended Western Michigan University. 

Judie was employed at Lockway-Stouck Paper Company and First National Bank of America in their accounting departments. She married the love of her life, William F. Wood, on March 23, 1962. They lovingly raised 3 daughters and were married for 61 years before he passed away in 2023.

Her love for the Lord was evident as she was the hands and feet of Jesus serving in the Allegan County Jail Ministry for over 40 years, volunteering at the Alamo Nursing Home, hosting Five Day Clubs, and being a chauffeur to neighborhood kids to many church-held events. She attended the First Baptist Church of Otsego for nearly 60 years where she enjoyed being an AWANA Club leader, Word of Life leader, and was always involved in and enjoyed Vacation Bible School. 

She had a giving heart and was known as “one of the neighborhood moms” where there was always an extra seat at the table. Judie and Bill had the opportunity to foster 3 children, giving them a glimpse of farm life.

Judie’s dream of owning horses came true when she and Bill bought his family farm in 1967, and she brought home her first horse tied to the bumper of a car several months later. They owned many horses over the years, including an Arabian stallion who sired many foals, sharing the wonder of new life to those who were fortunate enough to experience it. She shared her love of horses with many children by becoming a 4-H leader.

Judie enjoyed anything that involved spending time with family and friends – playing cards, hosting sledding parties, bonfires, swimming in the creek, ice skating, and Scrabble with her dear friends every Wednesday evening after Prayer Meeting.

Judie is survived by daughters, Dawn Wood and Wendy (Craig) Bisel; son-in-law, Robert (Jill) Whitelow; grandchildren, Amanda, Alex (Kaitlin), Erica (Paul), Brandon, Katrina, Kayla(Harold), and Allison; many great- grandchildren; brother, Ronald (Mary) Keyes; sister-in-law, Janet (Milo) Holroyd; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Sherri Whitelow; sister and brother-in-law, Lori and Ed Francis.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Otsego with a luncheon and time to visit with the family following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The First Baptist Church of Otsego (envelopes available at the church office or service).

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.