Judith M. "Judy" Groat

Judith (Judy) Groat, 82, passed away with the love of her life, Gus, by her side on May 24, 2026, in Marshall, Michigan. She was born on September 29, 1943, in Jackson, Michigan, to Horold and Arlene (Canute) Green.

Judy, her bother Gary, and their mother lived in Traverse City with the family during the war. Soon after the war, they moved to Battle Creek.

Judy graduated from Battle Creek Central in 1961. She met the love of her life, Gustave Groat Jr. They married on September 27, 1963, at St. Joseph Church in Battle Creek. Surviving are her beloved husband Gustave (Gus) Groat and their three sons, Nicholas Groat, Tucson, AZ, Michael (Vicky) Groat, Battle Creek, and Mathew (Katrina) Groat, Marshall. Grandchildren, Joshua, Chadwick, Lucas, Holly, Blake (Amanda) and Morgan Groat. Great-grandchildren, Ryan, Owen, Carson, Adalyn and Jensen Groat.

Judy worked part-time at Faulhaber’s Men's Clothing Store in Battle Creek as a seamstress. After graduation, she worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Ralph Puchalski. She worked out of the home sewing while her sons were young. In 1978, she went to work at Sherman Elementary School as a teacher's aide in special education. In 1980, Judy started working for dentist Dr. Lynne Haley, retiring in 1996. After retiring, she keeps busy by working part-time at the Country Spice Gift Store in Marshall.

Judy was a member of the Calhoun County Genealogical Society, holding offices of Corresponding Secretary and President. She was Registrar and Treasurer, a member of the Mary Marshall Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution. Judy was an active member of the St. Mary Catholic Church in Marshall, where she started the Prayer Shawl Ministry, worked at funeral luncheons, Christmas Dinner, and taught CCD. Judy also enjoyed being active with the Knights of Columbus with her husband, Gus. Judy was a very talented artist; she loved to spend time sewing, painting, knitting, making cards, reading, and spending time with her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Arlene, and her brother, Gary Green.

Thank you to the staff at Centrica Care for the wonderful care of Judy.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 28, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home. The funeral will take place at St. Mary Church in Marshall on Friday, May 29 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools (https://bcacs.org) or the Daughters of the American Revolution Mary Marshall Chapter (http://www.marymarshall.michdar.net). Personal messages for Judy’s family may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.