Our lives have been enriched and blessed for having, Judith Ella (Reed) Barden, age 74, in it as long as we did. Judi (also known by many as “Jude”) passed away peacefully in Grand Rapids on December 28, 2024, with her beloved family at her side. Judi was, one of six children, born to John Franklin and Dolores Irene (Edgecomb) Reed in Michigan City, IN on June 6, 1950. In 1968, she graduated from Elston High School in Michigan City. While attending Purdue North Central, Judi met Larry D. Barden who persuaded her to become his household engineer. They were married on April 8, 1972. They started their family in Valparaiso and then moved to Michigan where they lived in Grand Haven and Fruitport, before they eventually settled in Evart in 1982.

Judi was “mom”, “grandma” and “aunt” to so many! She welcomed everyone into her home with open arms. Dubbed “Martha Stewart” by her family, she always kept a clean home, enjoyed crafts, cross-stitching and quilting, and loved decorating her home and year-round tree for all of the holidays, especially with snowmen. She loved to host and spoil her guests with amazing food! She was particularly fond of her grandchildren, enjoying her time with them and building amazing and everlasting memories. Her smile was contagious and her love for Jesus, family and friends was always apparent!

Judi is survived by her loving husband, Larry, of nearly 53 years; two sons, Bradley (Amy) Barden (grandchildren, Ellason and Rylin) of Midland and Ryan (Lauren) Barden (grandchildren, Amelia, Isabelle, and Everly) of Michigan City, IN; two daughters, Amanda (Brandon) Ransom (grandchildren, Jordan, Jacob (Livi), Easton and Landon) of Evart and Sarah (Chad) Trembath (grandchildren, Tyler and Cole) of Park Rapids, MN; sister, Janet Reed of Michigan City, IN; three brothers, Jack Reed of Portage, IN and Jeffrey (Sue) Reed of LaPorte, IN and Joseph (Diane) Reed of Michigan City, IN; two sisters-in-law, Sandra (Wayne) Rough of Walkerton, IN, and Doris Barden of Lapaz, IN and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Judi was preceded in death by her parents, her father-in-law, Robert Barden, her mother-in-law, Viola (Hostetler) Barden; brother, Jerry Reed, two sisters-in-law Debbie Reed and Christine Moore-Barden; three brothers-in-law, Danny Barden, Duane Barden and Norman Barden and her niece, Theresa Klingensmith.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Judi on April 12, 2025 at the Osceola County Fairgrounds beginning at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Judi’s name may be made to the Renucci House for the support they have given our family via their website at https://www.spectrumhealth.org/patient-and-family-resources/renucci-hospitality-house.