Judith Snedeker

Judith Kay Mieras Snedeker, age 85, formerly of Indio, CA, and more recently Sugar Springs in Gladwin, MI, went to be with her Lord and Heavenly family on September 25, 2023. She was born on April 20, 1938, in Muskegon Hackley Hospital to Christine and Larry Mieras and moved to Midland when she was 2 years old. Judy attended Sugnet Elementary School, Northeast Jr. High, and was the last class to graduate from the old Midland High School on Rodd Street. Judy continued her education at Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 1960. In kindergarten, she met six close friends and stayed in contact with them her entire life, over 80 years, meeting for lunch, shopping, and playing cards, loving each and every moment with her dear friends. Judy was the last surviving friend in the group.

Judy met Robert Dean Snedeker one beautiful summer evening dancing at the Music Box in Prudenville, MI. When Dean first saw her, he told his friends, “I’m going to marry that gal!” It was true love at first site!  Judy bought a new car and later drove it alone from MI to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to meet and marry Dean on October 28, 1961. The newlyweds then moved to WA and later CA for over 50 years. Judy’s career as an RN took her to the Department of Public Health in Los Angeles and later to Los Angeles County, CA, receiving many prestigious awards throughout her tenure in health care. Judy’s compassion and dedication to her patients and her service to the community led her to make a difference in anyone’s life she touched.

Dean and Judy spent their summers in Sugar Springs on the lake for the last 20 years, enjoying it as their permanent home for the last six years. Both loved their Sugar Springs and Gladwin communities. They were Sugar Springs Golf Club members, playing golf every day until it snowed. Their Appleby Court neighbors and friends were the best; many like family.

Judy leaves behind to cherish her memory her nephew William A. Karas II of Flushing (wife Marsha, daughters Kristin (Matt) Dubowski of Chicago and Jenna (Jon) Speyers of Royal Oak); niece Dawn Karas McGladdery of Marquette (husband Guy and daughter Kara Hildinger of Houghton), and Dean’s son, Robert D. Snedeker, II of Kingsport, TN. Judy was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert Dean Snedeker, on September 25, 2022, exactly one year ago; her parents, Christine and Larry Mieras; sister-in-law, Delores E. Karas; and brother-in-law William A. Karas of Durand; and best friends Mary and Russell Williams of Midland.

Judy’s family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home, 440 East Cedar Ave., Gladwin, MI, 48624. Visitation will occur from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service to follow at 12:00 p.m. The interment will be at the Fairplains Cemetery in Grand Rapids at a later date.

Following Judy’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Midland Area Community Foundation for the Robert Dean and Judith Mieras Snedeker Endowed Scholarship Fund for packaging or nursing education at www.midlandfoundation.org or by calling 989.839.9661. Midland Foundation donation cards and envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Special thanks to Judy’s family, neighbors, friends, doctors, and nurses for their endless love and support.

Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home. www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome.com