Obituary of Judith Ann Lehr
Judith Ann McGraw was born on December 31, 1941, in Manistique, Michigan. She was the only child born from the union of Bernard and Eva (Klobucher) McGraw. She grew up on the family farm in rural Engadine and graduated from St. Ignace LaSalle High School. While attending high school, she began her career working for the First National Bank of St. Ignace, where she excelled and was known to be the fastest proof operator in northern Michigan. She also periodically modeled clothing for Winkelman’s. During her tenure at the bank, one of the highlights she liked to share was that she held the check that paid for the historic Mackinac Bridge. She was offered the position of Bank Manager for the new First National Bank that was being built in Naubinway, Michigan, but opted to be a dedicated homemaker and caregiver to her family, relatives, and close friends.
On March 31, 1964, she married Howard C. Lehr, and together they were blessed with the birth of their three children. Being raised Catholic, Judith’s faith held a significant place in her heart. Prayers were an important part of her daily life, and she regularly said the rosary and novenas for family members, friends, those in need, for health and safety, protection for those in service, and for peace. Judith had a profound love for Christmas, which symbolized the essence of her beliefs. The snow, lights, decorations, festive spirit of the season, and promise of family gatherings brought her great joy, making it her favorite holiday. A shot of blackberry brandy or a stiff highball like a 7&7, she lovingly referred to as a “Snort,” surely added to the merriment.
Judith cherished her Croatian heritage and delighted in Polka music, often recounting and sharing stories of the lively and joyous family gatherings where dancing and laughter echoed throughout the entire weekend. No dance floor needed polishing when the family were together celebrating, for there were enough people dancing to take care of that. Being from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan filled Judith’s heart with pride and she ardently would express herself a “Yooper.” Her interests and hobbies varied from astronomy, aviation, Bible study, crafts, puzzles, politics, history, law, old movies, cooking and baking. She enjoyed baking a batch of oatmeal raisin cookies for when family came to visit and loved going out for breakfast on the weekends with her children. Time spent with family is what she treasured most.
Judith Ann Lehr, age 81 of Monroe, passed away at 9:52 AM on Friday, October 13, 2023, at her home surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and loved ones. Her passing was preceded by her parents and her husband: Howard. To cherish her memory, she leaves three children: Arthur Lehr of Monroe, Kelly Lehr of Monroe, and Jennifer (Jeffrey) Verscheure of Buckley, and four grandchildren: Ashley (Tarik) DeLand of Ida, Alexander (Jenelle) Lehr of Golden, Colorado, Rylee Meyer of Ida, and Chase Verscheure of Monroe.
Arrangements were entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. Beulieu Funeral Home, Newberry, Michigan has arranged for Judith to lie Instate at 10:00am at Saint Stephen Catholic Mission Church, Naubinway; W11675 U.S. Rte.2, Naubinway, Michigan 49762. A Mass of the Ressurection will immediatley follow at 11:00am. with a procession to Engadine Cemetery, Engadine, Michigan for interment.
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