Judith Ann Baar

Judith (Judy) Ann Baar, age 89, of Holland, Michigan passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025 with family in attendance.

A private person, Judy wanted nothing more than to spend time with her family and especially her grandchildren, whether at home or on one of her frequent winter trips to Florida. She was an avid book reader (and critic) who loved travel, relaxing in the Florida sun with family and spending long hours watching Lake Michigan change its moods from day to day, season to season.

Judy was born in Holland, Michigan to Don and Julia Rypma on September 22, 1935. She attended Holland High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from Hope College. Judy was a lifelong educator with a passion for the English language and mythology who taught in middle school for over 20 years in the West Ottawa school district. After retiring from the district, she spent another several years teaching English as a second language through Holland Community Education to adults from a wide range of backgrounds, many of whom still affectionately referred to her as “Teacher Judy” long after they had finished their studies.

Judy leaves behind her daughter Sarah (and Steve), grandson Zach (and Morgan), and great-granddaughters Ella and McKenna; her daughter Ann, son-in-law Bob (aka Ed), and grandchildren Hannah and Connor; and her daughter-in-law Lisa, grandson Matt (and Koraima) and granddaughter Ellie (and Brando); her brother John; and her brother-in-law Jim. Judy has joined her husband, Randy; sister Nancy, and son Scott in watching over all of us.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Freedom Village in Holland and the dedicated staff who cared for her over the past several years.

Visitation will be held at Dykstra Funeral Home (Northwood Chapel) on Friday, March 28 from 1 to 2 pm, followed by a brief chapel service. No graveside service will be held, but a celebration of life will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 pm at the Reservoir on Ottawa Beach Road.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Judy’s love of Lake Michigan, please consider making a memorial donation to the Alliance for the Great Lakes (Greatlakes.org).