Judith Long

Judith White Craske Long Judith was born in Detroit on April 22, 1937, the only child of Floyd F. and Ethel Carter White. She enjoyed a very happy childhood with loving parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and many cousins. She grew up loving and caring for her dogs. Judith attended Cooke School, Redford High School in Detroit and Western Michigan College (now WMU) in Kalamazoo. She graduated in 1959 with a degree in education and went on to teach in Sparta, Highland Park and Suttons Bay, Michigan where she taught English and Social Studies. It was during her time of teaching in Highland Park that she met and later married a young Dr. William (Bill) J. Craske. When Bill finished his residency, they moved to Traverse City where he began his practice and daughter Elizabeth was born. Judith considered her membership at Central United Methodist Church in Traverse City, MI., her many close friends, including her Yokefellow group and longtime B.F.F. Mary Goss Vitolins of Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, wonderful blessings in her life. In 2005, Judith attended the Redford High School reunion in Detroit, MI.; this is where she met Rod Long of Jackson. Rod had lost his wife and Judith was divorced. When they first met sparks flew! After many hours of phone conversations and trips to Traverse City and Jackson to see one other they were married on October 13, 2007; a true love story! Judith passed away on June 24, 2023; subsequently on Rod’s birthday. I’m sure sparks flew again when they were reunited in Heaven. Judith is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth (Ron) Snider, granddaughters Katherine (Clay) Darrow, Emily, Madeline, Ella and great granddaughter Everleigh. Judith was also loved by Rod’s adult children, Mike (Brenda) Long, Jill (Tom) Orr, Lisa (Bruce) Robinson, and 9 grandchildren. Judith was grateful for her faith, the love and caring of so many good folks in her life and the gift of living in a beautiful and vibrant community. Funeral services will be held at Central United Methodist Church on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 1 pm with visitation beginning one hour prior. Graveside services will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Central United Methodist Church, the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy or to Child and Family Services. God’s blessings and joy to all.

Judith Long

April 22, 1937 - June 24, 2023