Judith Simpson, 74
Born: April 28, 1938
Died: May 13, 2012

Judith Ann Simpson, 74, of Cassopolis, died Sunday, May 13, 2012, in her residence, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Vicksburg, Mich., on April 28, 1938, to Ethan “Ephie” and Clara Belle (Draper) Roberts, the second of eight siblings. She graduated from Cassopolis High School in 1956.
Judy worked for 34 years at SPX Contech in Dowagiac and was a board member for their retiree luncheons. She was a member of United Presbyterian Church of Cassopolis, where she had served as a Deacon, Women of the Moose Chapter 1508, Dowagiac, and a local chapter of MADD, serving as president and secretary.
She was involved with the Cass County Cancer Service, Citizen Police Academy, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Training, CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) Training, Relay for Life, the Cass County Historical Society, Cass County Council on Aging, United Way, Hallmark, Pioneer Log Cabin, Southwestern College Museum and Newton House.
She had served as the treasurer of the Cass County Historical Commission and as the LaGrange Township deputy clerk and had been a Pen Pal for Cassopolis Elementary and Patrick Hamilton Schools.
She was a diehard Notre Dame football and women’s basketball fan, a fact she would not hesitate to tell anyone. She loved to travel, wanting to go as many places as she could to see as many scenes as possible.
She was not bashful, and never met a stranger. Those who met her and were friends to her, loved her. She loved everyone and was loved in return.
Judy will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by three daughters, Deborah (Bobby) Friske, Sandra (Dale) Bruens and Jeanne Simpson, all of Dowagiac; two grandchildren, Ashlee Simpson Alm of Dowagiac and Benjamin Friske of Dowagiac; four great-grandchildren, Dale Personette, Joanna Alm, Jillian Alm and Chloe Friske; four sisters, Linda (Gene) Hedrick of Anaheim, California, Bonnie Loux of Cassopolis, Maxine (Kenny) Ownby of Dowagiac, Mary (Jim) Maxwell of Clarksburg, Tenn.; three brothers, Allen Roberts of Niles, Phil (Karen) Roberts of Belleville, Thomas (Janet) Roberts of Dowagiac;  Aunt Betty Bower of Elkhart; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends gathered Tuesday, May 15, from 4 until 8 p.m. at Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 N. Broadway St., Cassopolis.
Additional calling was Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. in United Presbyterian Church, 209 E. State St., Cassopolis, with the Rev. Stephen Kaszer officiating.
Judy was laid to rest in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Cassopolis.
The family prefers memorial contributions to Cass County Cancer Service, P.O. Box 676, Edwardsburg, MI 49112, or United Presbyterian Church, 209 E. State St., Cassopolis, MI 49031.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis.
Online condolences may be sent to wagnercares.com.