Judith grew up in Traverse City, Michigan. After high school she attended Northwestern Michigan College and earned an associates degree in dental assisting. She married her childhood sweetheart, Ed Deeren, at age 20. Together they have lived in Illinois, Colorado, and Texas, but returned home to Michigan in 1986. During that time they have been blessed with 11wonderful children and now have 18 grandchildren. She enjoys sewing, crocheting, reading, biking and cooking.