Judy Labat
Judy Labat, graduate of Central Catholic High School and former Marshall resident, died at her home in Phoenix, AZ on Monday May 17 after an 18 month battle with cancer. She was 78. A gathering in her honor will be held at Grace Life Church in Marshall on Saturday June 19 from 1-4 p.m. All are invited to attend.
Judith Ann Labat was born the 2nd of 11 children in the spring of 1943 to Henry and Emerence (DeVos) Labat. She attended Catholic school and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1961. She moved around a bit and met her first husband, Tom Maxwell, in CA. They were married in 1967 and lived in St. Louis. Two daughters were born to that union: Melissa and Michelle. They divorced in 1972 and Judy returned to Marshall with the girls. She married Joe DeSutter in 1974 and they divorced in 1981. She opened a daycare in her home and she cared for many children. In 1986, she was reunited with her two daughters born in 1963 and 1965. She had gifted them to other people through adoption so their dreams of completing their families could come true. She always hoped they would be loved and cared for, and they were. She moved to Phoenix in 1995 to be near her daughter and grandchildren. During the 26 years she lived there, she was able to earn an Associate’s Degree from Phoenix College, which was a long-time dream of hers.
Judy was known for her high energy, her infectious laugh, and her perseverance when life got rough. She overcame divorce, single-parenthood, alcoholism, mental illness, and poverty. She was loyal, she was a generous giver, and she loved others deeply. Even in her death, she gave to others by donating her body to science. Her cremains will be scattered in an AZ canyon where she enjoyed spending time with her special friend, Mike.
Judy is survived by her daughters AJ Wolf, Jan Peters (daughter of Layton and Dorothy Peters), Melissa Maxwell Moulton, and Michelle Maxwell; son-in-law, Kelly Moulton; grandchildren Cory Jones, Travis Ruggles, Neil Wolf, Taylor Wolf, Collin Moulton, Josh (Emalee) Moulton, Riley (Mikey Kupla) Moulton, and Alora Moulton; by her siblings Donnie (Phyllis) Labat, Gordy (Bernadette) Labat, Pauline Serreyn, Dan (Sandy) Labat, Duke Labat, Greg (Marilyn) Labat, Larry (Lavonne) Labat, Mary Kay (Gary) Hoflock, Tom (Cheryl) Labat, and Deb Picht; 22 nieces and nephews, many great nieces and nephews, and many cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Hank and Rose; both of her former husbands; her brothers-in-law Howard Serreyn and Randy Picht; her sisters-in-law Janet Labat and Carol (Mrs. Duke) Labat; her son-in-law, Dan Wolf; and 2 nephews, 1 niece, and 1 great-nephew.
She will be missed, but she is at peace.