Judith Ann (Tefs) Companion, 75, of St. Joseph, MI, passed away on November 1, 2016 at her residence. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6:00 PM Friday, November 11, 2016 at Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI, with Pastor Gene Pastrick officiating, beginning with Elks Rites conducted by Elks Lodge #541. Friends may visit with the family before the service from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Judith was born December 26, 1940 in St. Joseph, MI to Reinhold and Lillian (Roy) Tefs. She was the first female sergeant and lieutenant with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, retiring after 33 years of service on March 31, 2000. Judith was initiated in 1998 as the first female member of BPO Elks Lodge #541 and in 2003-2004 the first female Exalted Ruler. She was also a member of the St. Joseph Lion’s Club, St. Joseph F.O.P. and Peace Lutheran Church. Judith was outgoing, active in the community and often worked in the soup kitchen. She enjoyed the St. Joseph Band Shell concerts in the summer. In her spare time she enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Judith is survived by her children – Michael (Tina – her caregiver) Companion of St. Joseph, MI, and Melissa Gleason of New Berlin, WI; four grandchildren – Krystal Shea, Jessica Johnson, Courtney Gleason and Anthony Companion; two brothers – Leroy Tefs of Nebo, NC, and Russell (Dixie) Tefs of St. Joseph, MI; and a sister Jean Simmons of Stevensville, MI.