Judy (Ferris) Eikum

Judith (Judy or “Hazel”) Ferris Eikum died on Sept. 23, 2023 at Rose Arbor Place Hospice due to complications from a fall.  She was born Feb. 5, 1942, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a daughter of Loyal T. and Evelyn M. Ferris (Mohney)-Founders of the Beacon Club.

She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1960. Judy was employed by the former Upjohn company as well at Friendly Al’s pharmacy on Westnedge & Vine St. Judy also worked as a bartender and a Nanny. She loved socializing, meeting new people and telling them all her stories, watching Rosanne and the Golden Girls and floating in her inner tube at Indian Lake by Vicksburg. Judy was predeceased by her parents and stepfather, Finn Mohney, her grandmother, Adeline Ferris, her granddaughter, Heather Nelson, a stepbrother, Bruce Mohney, and her former husbands. Judy is survived by her son Bob Nelson (Annette) from Grand Haven, Mi, daughter Karen Gillespie (Gar) from Kalamazoo and daughter Cheryl Nelson from Paw Paw. Judy is also survived by sisters Jean Ferris Snow (David) from Kalamazoo and Joyce Ferris Jilg (Ron) from Wichita, Ks. and stepbrother John Mohney from Kalamazoo. She leaves grandchildren Dylan Lawrence (Taylor), Ryan Bailey (Mandy), Randall & Nick Miller as well as Sam & Kinsey Nelson.  Judy is survived by great grandchildren Jack Lawrence, Braden Hembree, and Mia Bailey as well as nieces and nephews Wendi Cole (Jimmy), Ron Roecker Jr, Kristen Gonyeau (Paul), B.J. Snow (Lindsay Tarpley), step nephews John Jr, Ron, Jim, Tom Mohney. Finally, she is survived by her beloved cat, Wesley.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no service. A celebration of life will be scheduled in the near future. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Judy’s name may be directed to: https://centricaccare.org/giving (Rose Arbor).

While visiting Judy’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook by lighting a candle, and/or sharing a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home; 5975 Lovers Lane in Portage.