Judith Austin-Lieffers

Judith “Judy” Marie Austin-Lieffers, age 68, of Conklin, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at her home with family at her side after a gallant five-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Judy was born in Grand Rapids, MI, was a graduate of Kenowa Hills High School and Grand Valley State University where she earned a degree in advertising and public relations. She worked in advertising, primarily as a writer, for many years. Judy was also a published author of children’s books, a romantic suspense novel and had numerous other manuscripts underway. She was Secretary of the Grand Rapids Writers Guild, was also a board member and Secretary of the West Michigan Arts Council and served as President of the Rockford Writers group.

Judy’s passions included writing, cooking, gardening, her cats and horses.  She was also a serious bass fisherman who frequently out fished her husband and friends. She loved spending time outdoors and at her brother’s cabin on Hamlin Lake, fishing, hunting mushrooms and writing.

Judy is survived by her husband of 15 years, Ross Lieffers; stepson Chris and Dawn Lieffers and their children, Mariska Lieffers and Calder Lieffers, her stepdaughter;  Cary Lieffers and husband, Jeff Bauer and their daughter, Sanna Bauer; her stepson, Len and Bethann Lieffers and their daughter, Johanna Lieffers; her brother Lawrence and Mary Austin and their children, Stephanie Austin-Redding and husband Dan Redding and Robert Austin; twin sister, Linda Humbert and her daughter, Lindsey and husband (Nick) Halik and their daughter, Chloe Halik; brother-in-law, Terry Lieffers, his wife Camille Lieffers and their children, Laura and husband Jeff Kasperski and Alice Lieffers.

Judy was preceded in death by her father Leo Raymond Austin, mother, Evelyn Veronica (Mancley) Austin-Spurgat, stepfather, Arthur Spurgat and brother-in-law Roger Humbert.

In keeping with Judy’s wish, cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life Gathering is planned for this summer at Larry and Mary Austin’s cabin on Hamlin Lake. The family encourages you to bring your fishing pole. The details of that service will be announced at a later date. In memory of Judy, memorial donations may be made to West Michigan Arts Council, 194 E. Division St, Sparta, MI, 49345.  Online messages and condolences may be shared with the family at throopfh.com.

Throop Funeral Home, Coopersville 616-837-8161