“O sing a new song unto the Lord; for He is good and His mercy endureth forever.”

It is with heavy, but grateful hearts that we share the news of Our Lord’s calling our mom and Oma home to Him on August 24, 2026. Judith Lee Roessler (née Barrett) was born on May 22, 1940, at Beechwood in Tipton County, Indiana to Theodore and Beryl Barrett. She joined older sister, Jane Ann and later welcomed sister, Becky Jean.

Judy was raised on the family farm until school age when the family moved to Windfall, Indiana where she attended school until her high school graduation. She was a gifted student and was on the high school honor roll for her academic achievement. Judy’s parents purchased a piano while she was in grade school and she began taking piano lessons. Having learned how to play and sing hymns on the piano, Judy eventually applied her skills to singing in church and school choruses and became a frequent soloist and member of select vocal groups. Judy soon became a favorite soloist and was asked to sing at various churches, community, and civic events. She was honored with many first-division district, as well as solo and ensemble awards for vocal performance. We are grateful for her God-given gifts, and the opportunities Judy was given to witness her faith. Judy would continue to be the “go-to” soloist and choir member in whatever church choir or community chorus she would join over her lifetime. 

After high school Judy settled down in the daily routine of work and social life. Shortly after joining the community choir in Kokomo, she met a young man from New Jersey whom she thought was a bit of a “show off.” The young man finally succeeded, and she finally agreed to a coffee date on her 21st birthday. The rest of the story is history and Walt, the young man, turned out to be the love of her life and husband for more than 60 years.

Walt and Judy married, made a life in Kokomo, raising their son, Kevin Allen and daughter, Susan Alayne. Walter would then take a job in Metro-Detroit and the family moved to Royal Oak, Michigan where they welcomed their third child, David Walter. Church was important and wherever the young family moved, a new church was found. Faith and church life were established early as a foundation for the family that Walt and Judy were building. As a stay-at-home mom in Royal Oak, she found outlets for her creativity. Her creative interests not only involved sewing classes in which she learned how to make matching dresses for herself and Susan, but she participated in ceramic classes where she would make homemade presents, including cherished Christmas ornaments for family and friends. The Roesslers were on the move again and this time to Farmington Hills, Michigan where the stay-at-home mom started working outside the house as a secretary and administrative assistant. During this time, Walt transferred with GM to Germany in a three-year stint starting in 1983 which provided Judy, Walt, and family with a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel throughout Europe.

Upon returning to the United States in 1986, Judy, Walt, and family landed in Plymouth Township, Michigan. During this time in her life, Judy opened her Decorating Den franchise which proved to be another creative pursuit in which she was successful. Several of her designs were featured in a nationally published book published by Decorating Den.

Judy was a gracious hostess and loved to entertain various groups of friends. She planned many bridge club dinners, and “Advent by Candlelight” tables. A favorite undertaking of hers was hosting guests at home. Her table decorations were beautiful and typically, guests went home with gifts of their time with Walt and Judy in their home.

Walt and Judy retired to the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, in 2001 after returning from another sojourn in Germany with Walt working with for GM. Both were often busier living in Tennessee than when they lived in Michigan. Judy became an Oma during these retirement years and loved every minute of the time spent with her four grandchildren- Gillian, Gwendolyn, Kevyn, and Ava. For the grandkids, trips to Tennessee visiting Oma became treasured memories just as when Oma came back to Michigan to babysit and spend time at important grandchild events.

Judy is preceded in death by Walter, her husband of 60 years and their son, Kevin. She will be laid to rest with both in a private burial service at White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery in Troy, Michigan. She is survived by daughter, Susan Drake (Jonathan Drake); son, David Roessler; grandchildren, Gillian and Gwendolyn Drake; grandchildren, Kevyn and Ava Roessler; sisters, Jane Ann Dell and Becky Jean Nash (Jerry Nash) and nieces and nephews.

Two Celebration of Life services are planned: the first service to be held at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Loudon, TN, September 12, 2026, at 2 pm with fellowship to follow (260 Wade Rd West, Loudon, TN 37774); and second service to be held at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Livonia, MI, September 19, 2026, at 1pm, visitation will start at noon and fellowship will follow the service (14175 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI 48154). Cards and letters can be sent or brought to either service to then be forwarded on to the family.

Our mother and Oma is not lost. We know right where she lives.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant…”