Judy Vander Ark was a dedicated Christian, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and caregiver extraordinaire. She was loved by many, admired by many, respected by many, and considered by many to be their best friend. All would agree she was a positive influence on anyone who knew her.
Judy was born in Detroit, Michigan on Oct 9, 1946 to Tom and Clara Straatsma. She was the second of four siblings, with one older sister and two younger brothers, and grew up in Dearborn, Michigan. She attended a Lutheran elementary school, and graduated from Fordson High School in 1964. From there she entered Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan and enrolled in the 3year nursing program. At Calvin she met Doug Vander Ark, and Judy and Doug were married June 30, 1967, which would begin the next 50 years of their life together.
From there Judy and Doug moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1967. They had their first daughter, Kimberly, in July of 1970. In May of 1971 they took the big step of moving away from the security of friends and family and moved to Dallas, Texas, where Doug had a job offer from Texas Instruments. They spent the next 46 years of their life together in Plano and most recently Allen, Texas. They joined Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church where Judy served in leadership roles. Judy began working in the nursing float pool, at Dallas Presbyterian Hospital. During that time daughter number two, Kristin, was born in July, 1974, and daughter number three, Kara, was born in Oct of 1976. She began her career as an ER nurse at Plano HCA when it opened, which became her vocation for the next 25 years. Judy, Doug, and the girls became charter members of the Reformed Church in Plano (RCP). She remained a faithful member and leader at RCP until it closed its doors some 35 years later. They then joined Grace Presbyterian Church.
After 25 years Judy decided it was time for a career change. This was after raising 3 daughters and sending them off to college. Two of them graduated from Texas A&M and one from Texas Tech. A new opportunity arose that would change her career path. Judy became employee number 8 of a new venture called the T-System. For the next 15 years she travelled the United States selling and implementing the T-System emergency department documentation system with clients in 49 states.
In addition to the importance of her relationships with God and family, Judy prided herself in being physically fit, active, and willing to expand her horizons. Over the years she became an excellent snow skier with annual trips to Vail for 35 years. When the girls were younger there were annual trips to Michigan. Up until her recent hospitalization she maintained a routine of walking 4 miles per day. She also participated in mission trips in the U.S., Africa, and travelled extensively in recent years.
Remaining active, experiencing as much of God’s creation as time would permit, building relationships, and serving others were the primary focuses in Judy’s active life. Her greatest joy was serving others. As Mission chairperson at RCP she became intimately involved in two local organizations. One was Family Promise, the other to which she devoted most of her volunteer time was City House.
Judy is survived by her sister, Joyce Heetderks; brothers, John Straatsma and Doug Straatsma. She is survived by her husband of fifty years, Doug Vander Ark; daughters, Kimberly Burch, son-in-law John Burch, Kristin Harding, son-in-law Kevin Harding, Kara Hannon, and son-in-law Hunter Hannon; grandchildren, Emily Burch, Victoria Stephens, Tatum Stephens, James Douglas Stephens, Avery Harding, Easton Harding, Grace Harding, Holland Hannon and Van Hannon. Each of us is proud to be part of our matriarch’s life together and the challenge “Momma Judy” left us; that is, to seek and to serve.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Grace Presbyterian Church, 4300 W. Park Blvd., Plano, Texas 75093.
Memorial donations may be made to: City House of Plano, 901 18th Street, Plano, TX 75074 or www.cityhouse.org.