Judith L. "Judy" Melvin

Judith Lynn Melvin passed away peacefully at home with family on January 20, 2026 at the age of 86. Judy was born December 31, 1939 in Hammond, IN, the daughter of Dale M. and Ada (Darby) Smith. She graduated from Valparaiso University in 1961 and was married that summer to Leigh Melvin. She taught English in Portage, IN, prior to moving to Hickory Corners, MI with Leigh in 1965. They divorced in 1981.

Judy earned her master’s degree in business from Nazareth College. She retired from Pharmacia, now Pfizer, in 2002 where she was a safety and environmental regulatory compliance trainer in the Engineering and Maintenance Division. She had also served as an adjunct professor of international business at Davenport University and was a charter member of the Gull Lake Area Community Church.

Judy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and John Rodgriguez of Comstock; son, Jeremy Melvin of Denver, CO; two grandchildren, Coleman (Isabella) and Carson Rodriguez of Comstock; sister, Gayle Goodman of Richland; nephew, Jeffrey Goodman of Richand and many dear friends. Her cherished parents preceded her in death.

In accordance with Judy’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. There will be a private family memorial service and committal of the cremated remains at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Gull Arbor Senior Living at 7788 E. De Ave., Richland, MI 49083, or to a charity of one’s choice. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.