Judith Arden Babbitt
Judith Arden Babbitt, age 94, passed February 2, 2026. Judy was born August 18, 1931 to Dr. Bert and Thelma (McCall) Van Ark.
Judy went to Eaton Rapids Public Schools and graduated in 1949. She attended Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin, until returning to Michigan to marry the love of her life and soulmate, Bill Babbitt. They were married in 1951 and enjoyed 74 glorious and blessed years together. She and Bill moved back to Eaton Rapids from Ann Arbor after Bill completed his degree from the University of Michigan. Bill loves telling the story of how Judy would occasionally attend classes with him at U of M and was once given an “A+” from a professor on his blue book exam (Bill only earned an “A”).
During WWII Judy spent time in Missoula, Montana, while her father served as a physician at a POW camp for German prisoners. Later, Judy worked briefly at J.I. Case Company while Bill was finishing his degree.
Bill and Judy spent many happy days together at their summer home on Lake Louise in northern Michigan, and at their winter home on Captiva Island in Florida. In addition, they travelled extensively by motorhome, including 12 round-trips to Alaska. Bill and Judy were accomplished and avid boaters and enjoyed cruising the Great Lakes, the North Channel, and the Georgian Bay in Canada. One of their greatest cruising accomplishments was an extended trip from Florida to Michigan on the Inland Waterway.
Judy survived childhood polio, in no small part due to her being the daughter of a physician.
She is survived by her husband Bill; her six children Becky (Carl) Davis, Rick (Pam) Babbitt, David (Jeannie) Babbitt, Steve (Sandy) Babbitt, Dan (Shari) Babbitt, and Sally (Dan Cortright) Babbitt, 19 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister Jeanne Sherman, niece Mindy Sherman, and grandsons Brandon and Aaron Babbitt.
Judy truly loved and cherished in life. Her love, affection, and generosity was well known to all who knew her.
A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at a later date. For those desiring memorial contributions are suggested to the Eaton Rapids Medical Center Foundation in her memory. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.