Judith (Judy) Ann Pefley, 82, of Manistee, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026, at the Manistee Medical Care Facility surrounded by her family. 

Born in Manistee on January 2, 1944, Judy was the daughter of Frank and Viola (Jaeckel) Kruszka. She married Roger W. Pefley on October 9, 1964.

 Judy spent her entire life in the community she loved. She was a woman of deep faith whose relationship with God was a source of strength and comfort throughout her life. Her faith was reflected in the way she lived with kindness, generosity, compassion, and a willingness to help others.

 Judy had a gift for making people feel cared for, and one of her favorite ways she expressed that love was through food. She loved to cook and was happiest when family and friends gathered around her table. Over the years, her cooking was a gift to countless families throughout Manistee. She catered for countless events, helping families mark some of the most important moments of their lives. For Judy cooking was never simply about preparing a meal, it was a way of bringing people together, celebrating others, and showing them that they were loved. Many of the memories her loved ones treasure most are rooted in her kitchen, sharing a meal, a story, and plenty of laughter.

 Judy also spent many years working for Manistee Area Public Schools as the beloved “lunch lady”. Through that work, she became a familiar and caring face to generations of students. Her kindness and personality made a lasting impression on the many students she served. 

Those who knew Judy also knew her spunky spirit. She had a personality all her own, a wonderful sense of humor, and a spark that made her unforgettable. She was strong-willed, spirited and never afraid to let you know what she thought. She was a proud and devoted lover of football, especially the Detroit Lions!

 Above all, Judy cherished her family. She was preceded in death by her father and mother Frank & Viola Kruszka and her loving husband Roger W. Pefley. She is survived by her two sons & daughters-in-law, Mark & Brooke Pefley and Jeff & Heather Pefley; grandchildren Nicole Ferguson, Tyler Pefley, Austin (Kaylan) Pefley, Madison(Jake Monton)Pefley, Taylor Pietrasik, and Zachary Pietrasik; great-grandchildren Brayden, Landon, Elijah, Judson, Jayce, and Masy; sister Karen (Randy) Skiera; nephew Logan Skiera; niece Lindsey (Jason) Traeger; great-nephews John & Mason, along with many extended family and close cherished friends who will carry her love, lessons, traditions, and faith with them for generations to come.

 Judy leaves behind much more than memories. She leaves behind the faith she lived by, the recipes she shared, the traditions she created, the countless people she served, the celebrations she helped make special, the laughter she brought into a room and the love she poured into her family. 

Her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her, but her family finds comfort in knowing that her faith has carried her, and the love she gave so freely will continue to live on through the many lives she touched and through the generations of her family who will carry her memory forward. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ryan Sullivan and the staff of the Manistee Medical Care Facility for the compassionate care, kindness, patience, and love they showed Judy during her time in their care. Their support brought comfort not only to her but to her family and they will always be grateful for the care she received.

 A funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Manistee at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends and family on October 6, 2026, from 5:00-7:00p.m. at Oak Grove Funeral Home in Manistee. The family will also be at the church on Wednesday morning one hour prior to the funeral service. A funeral luncheon will follow at the church after the graveside service.

 Memorials may be made in honor of Judy to the bereavement fund at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Manistee.