ANTIGO, Wis. - Judyth "Judy" Ellen Childers, 76, of Antigo, Wisconsin, passed away on July 13, 2023, in her hometown, Marenisco, Michigan. Born on October 6, 1946, in Houghton, Michigan, she was the daughter of Gwendolyn and Richard Heard. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Gwendolyn (Crago) and Richard Heard, former husband John Childers Jr., her birth mother Vi Koski, brothers Robert and Fred Rule, and sister Janet (Rule) Raffaelli.

Judy, known for her light personality, was an amazing mother and grandmother. She cherished spending time with her family and friends, enjoying days at the beach, music, and dancing. She had a fondness for listening to old country music, Elvis, and Kenny Rogers. Judy enjoyed coffee clutching with her friends and also had a unique taste for microwaved beer and cigarettes, which brought her joy.

Throughout her life, Judy held various jobs, including positions at Lake Gogebic State Park, Camp Ojibway, Dairyman's, Johnson Coil, Remington Oil, Citgo, County Market, and Festival Foods. She was a hardworking individual who took pride in her work.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Terry (James) Pikka of Antigo, Wisconsin; Steven (Chona) Ebare of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; Joel Childers of Marenisco, Michigan; and Melissa (Robert) Wiita of Marenisco, Michigan. Judy also leaves behind her grandchildren: Nathan (Megan) Dembowski, Ryan (Alissa) Pikka, Emily Pikka, Alexandra Childers, Michelle (Ben) Lawrence, Jessica Ebare, and Christian Ebare. She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Bryce Dembowski, Reagan (Jennifer) Dembowski, Bentley (Buick) Pikka, Madeline Lawrence, and Ronald Lawrence. Judy is also survived by a sister, Gwen (Robert) Wenberg, and a brother, Donald Rule, sisters-in-law Mariah and Sally Rule and several nieces and nephews

A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date to honor Judy's remarkable journey and the impact she had on the lives of those around her.

Sympathy cards may be sent to the family of Judy, in care of Melissa Wiita, P.O. Box 222, Marenisco, MI 49947.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with their arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.