Judy Ann VanArman

Judy Ann Van Arman, 81, of Muskegon, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

Born in Muskegon on November 22, 1944, to Clayton and Goldie (Strayer) Norton, Judy was a lifelong area resident who grew up on the same family farm her whole life. She was the youngest of four sisters. Judy attended school through the tenth grade before getting married at sixteen, and later proudly earned her GED.

Judy had a varied and colorful work life. Many will remember her from her more than twenty years in food service at Shelby Public Schools, from which she retired. Her career also included roles as a waitress, a cashier at Walmart and Shop and Save, and a bartender at the Fremont Country Club. In the 1960s, while living in Florida, she was even a go-go dancer. Above all, her most cherished role was being a mother to her children.

A very social person, Judy loved getting together with family and friends to play games. She was an avid card player, enjoying lively games of euchre, hearts, and especially pedro, a game her family thought she had made up. While she loved most games, she was known to have a strong dislike for cribbage. She also loved playing dice and hosted many "crazy bunco" parties back in the day. Judy found joy in life's simple pleasures; she enjoyed basking in the sun and was an avid reader until her eyesight made it difficult. She also liked to gamble a little, taking occasional bus trips to the Little River Casino with her sisters. As a young mother, she created lasting memories with her children by camping. The family adventures began in an Army tent, upgraded to a pop-up camper, and eventually led to a seasonal camper at Shinnecock Campground on the Muskegon River, which became the family's summer getaway. She will be remembered for her strong will and her "all original equipment" approach to life, keeping her natural smile and avoiding surgeries.

Judy is survived by her children: Gary (Jody) Stratton, Brianna (Theo) De Blake, Bridget (Andy) Knapp, Scott Stratton, Mason (Renee) Stratton, Brittany (Wendell Mason) Miller. She also leaves behind many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Eric Stratton; her granddaughter, Ava Rose Vanderstelt; her sisters, Eileen Gilcrest, Wanda Deur, and Theda West; her first husband, Gary W. Stratton; and her second husband, Robert Van Arman.

In keeping with Judy's wishes, no services will be held. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to share a memory or sign the online guestbook.