Judith Ann Kirby

Judith Ann Kirby, age 87, of Traverse City, MI (currently Fayetteville, TN) passed away peacefully, reunited at last with her lifelong soulmate, Richard “Dick” Lee Kirby. Born in Flint, Michigan, on June 1, 1938, to the late Ernest Dean Rockafellow and Dorothy Ellen (Bryan) Rockafellow, Judy lived a life defined by deep compassion, vibrant style, and an unbreakable devotion to her family. Judy’s great love story began at the tender age of eight when she met Dick in grade school. High school sweethearts and 1956 graduates of Flint Central, they married on November 5, 1955. Together, they built a legacy of 68 years, navigating life’s highest peaks and deepest valleys with a shared, fun-loving spirit. Whether they were “tearing up the floor” at the Penguin Dance Club in Flint or rocking on their front porch listening to the Beatles or Bob Seger they remained an inseparable team. A woman of immense skill and intellect, Judy dedicated her professional life to the service of others. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Hurley School of Nursing in Flint and served with distinction as a surgical nurse at both Hurley Medical Center and Genesee Memorial Hospital. Her expertise was later instrumental in helping to establish and open the East Michigan Eye Center. Judy’s healing touch extended far beyond the hospital walls; for 45 years, she provided tireless, loving care for her “Angel Baby,” her son David, ensuring he thrived against all odds. Judy had a flair for the beautiful and the festive. Known for her impeccable style, she found great joy in shopping for shoes, purses, jewelry, and clothing. She was the architect of family magic, famous for her elaborate holiday decorations and her extensive Santa Claus collection. Her home was often filled with the sounds of her playing the harmonica or piano, and she found profound peace in the beauty of the Michigan trees and the sparkling waters of Lake Leelanau and Marco Island. Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dick; her daughter, Dru Ellen Orbeck; her sisters, Gail Kolanowski and Ellen Kay Guy; brother-in-law, Jim (Sharon) Kirby; and her parents. She is survived by her devoted children, Laurie Jo (Tony) Perry of Grand Blanc, MI, Richard “Rick” Kirby of Traverse City, MI, and David James Kirby of Fayetteville; nine grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; step-brother, John Doughty; and many nieces and nephews who will forever cherish her memory. In honor of Judy’s lifelong dedication to the medical field, memorial donations may be made to the Hurley Foundation at Hurley School of Nursing (Memo: Nursing Education and Professional Development), One Hurley Plaza, Flint, MI 48503. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 29, 2025, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home (305 Sixth St, Traverse City, MI 49684). Visitation with the family will be 1 hour prior to the service. The family deeply appreciates your prayers and invites you to share your favorite memories of Judith at higginsfh.com or reynolds-jonkhoff.com. Higgins Funeral Home and Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home are honored to be serving the family of Judith Ann Kirby.

Judith Ann Kirby

June 1, 1938 - March 26, 2026