Judith F. Zindler Obituary

Judith F. “Judy” Zindler, 81, of Benton Harbor, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. A private entombment will take place at North Shore Memory Gardens. Memorial donations in Judy’s memory may be made to Corewell Health Hospice – Royalton, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Those wishing to share a memory or leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Judy was born on June 21, 1945, in Benton Harbor, to Ronald and Dolores (Logan) Smith. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School and began her career at Michigan Bell Telephone Co. She was employed by Southwestern Michigan College and then the County of Berrien until her retirement in 2011 from the Berrien County Health Department. On March 19, 1988, Judy wed the love of her life, Ted, in Benton Harbor, and together they shared a wonderful marriage.

Judy was a classy, mid-century lady. She loved spending time golfing, bowling, cooking and entertaining. She enjoyed a Detroit Tigers game and was an award-winning seamstress who created and shared her masterpieces for decades. Judy cherished her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to tell them. She was a loving and caring woman who gave completely of herself.

Judy is adoringly remembered by her children, Michael Pond, Eric Pond and Marcy Pond-Simpson; stepchildren, Michael Zindler and Roger Zindler; grandchildren, Spencer Simpson (Mazi Heppler), Troy (Kiya) Simpson, and Tyler Edwards (Chris Capparelli); great-grandchildren, Hudson Edwards and Cecilia Simpson; her sister in-law Mary Sue Smith and her two nieces and nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald and Dolores Smith, her siblings Ronald “Jim” Smith and Patricia Koster and her niece and nephew. She left the world with her beloved husband of 38 years, Ted Zindler.