Julia Ellen Spencer, 91, passed away peacefully at Margaret Mary Hospital in Batesville, Indiana, on Friday, May 1, 2026, with family by her side.
Judy was born October 17, 1934, in Hart, Michigan, to Harry Jay and Mildred (Hasty) Pangburn. Judy graduated from Hart High School in 1952. She worked as a secretary at Oceana County Credit Bureau for three years, then bought the Credit Bureau and was the owner for another three years.
On May 9, 1959, she married the boy next door, Jerry Gene Spencer, at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Hart, Michigan. Judy and her husband enjoyed many adventures together, including working on the family farm, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and following MSU sporting events. Some of her favorite traveling adventures include St. Barts, Medjugorje, Caruso, Switzerland and Austria. Judy and Jerry spent many winters on Anna Maria Island, Florida.
Judy volunteered as a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Representative for Oceana County for 25 years. She also volunteered by organizing funeral luncheons and teaching CCD classes at her parish, St. Gregory’s. Judy organized dinners for the Hart Lions Club and was a Girl Scout Leader. She was a representative for the Red Cross Blood Drives in Oceana County for 20 years.
Judy is survived by her children, Jenny (Mike) Purdy of Osgood, Indiana, Jeff Spencer of Whitefish, Montana and Joany Spencer of Portage, Michigan; grandchildren, Ryan Mullally, Spencer (Grace) Purdy, Corry Daoust, Jayson (Torie) Purdy, Cassy Daoust, Michaela Purdy, Maria (Tyler) Huff and Elizabeth (Neal) Bohman; and great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Hayden, Skyler and Ryan Mullally, Judah and John Luke Purdy, Zwade, Lincoln, Halle, Lou and Lola Purdy, and Maeve Huff.
Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Spencer; parents, Harry Jay and Mildred Pangburn; brother, Jack (Mae) Pangburn; and daughter-in-law, Eva Spencer.
The Rosary was prayed at 12:15 p.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Sunman, Indiana, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
A Graveside Service will be held May 16 at 2 p.m. at Hart Cemetery, with a Celebration of Life held at her home in Hart immediately following. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Sunman, Indiana; St. Gregory’s Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Hart, Michigan; ALL (American Life League); or PRI (Population Research Institute).
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel. www.beaconfh.com
