Judith Eckelbarger Obituary

Judith Eckelbarger, 81, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, after grappling with Alzheimer's for several years.

Judy contained multitudes. Most of her friends and family knew her for her loving spirit, as well as for her fierce love of country. A former antique dealer, she prided herself on creating a warm and welcoming home, filled with laughter and a whole lot of unique antiques. Her garden was as well-tended as her home and she gifted her pickles and dilly beans to friends and family every summer. Her comfort food was always in demand and her recipes for cottage cheese lasagna (don't knock it until you've tried it!), stuffed peppers, baked beans and cowboy cookies will continue to be enjoyed by the many people who loved her.

She was a caring and involved mother and grandmother, but she was a tough lady, too. She beat breast cancer in her 60s, and worked at Rite Aid during those later years. She spent many happy hours at the American Legion Post 362 in Coloma, serving as the auxiliary president and a member of the funeral detail. She was proud of her husband, Jim and two sons' military service.

In 2016, Judy and Jim sold their farmhouse in Coloma and moved permanently to Texas, where they had wintered for many years. In her final years, she enjoyed watching her "judge shows" and reminiscing with photos showing a life well lived.

Born Judith Ann Hamlin to Reno and Betty Hamlin in South Haven, on July 23, 1943, she is survived by her husband of 32 years, Jim Eckelbarger; children: Chris (Monika) Worick, John (Edy) Worick and Jennifer Worick; sister, Janice Labar; stepdaughters: Annette (Scot) Dixon and Denise (David) Halgren; 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Her brothers Roger and Greg preceded her in death.

No funeral services are being planned at this time, but condolences and memories can be posted at Heavenly Grace Funeral Home & Memorial Park: www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/la-feria-tx/judith -eckelbarger-12020176.