Judith Ann "Judy" Earnst

Judith Ann Earnst passed away at home on November 24, 2025. She was born on March 14, 1947, in Buchanan, Michigan, to Donald and Vivian (Wallace) Longworth. Judy grew up with a heart for faith, music, and community. She graduated from Buchanan High School in 1965 and followed her passion for worship and music to Cincinnati Bible College, where she earned both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in music. There she met the love of her life, Roland Earnst. They were married on August 30, 1969, and built a life together rooted in shared devotion and unwavering love.

Judy's Christian faith was the cornerstone of everything she did. A lifelong member of Buchanan Christian Church, she poured her heart into serving her church family. For fifty years, she served the church as pianist, organist, and choir director. From 2000-2022, she served on staff as the Director of Worship Arts, where her musical talents and spiritual leadership touched many lives. Whether she was leading worship, directing choirs, teaching music, or participating in Vacation Bible School, Judy's passion for sharing the love of Christ shone brightly.

A gifted pianist and organist, Judy shared her musical talents far beyond the church walls. For 18 years, she accompanied choirs and played piano for performances at Niles High School and supported musical productions at Buchanan High School. For five years, she taught elementary grades at Michiana Christian School in South Bend.

Judy had a warm, kind-hearted spirit and a natural gift for bringing joy and encouragement to those around her. She was a beloved piano teacher and mentor, a talented quilter and seamstress, and she made excellent cut-out Christmas cookies that became a cherished tradition for family and friends. Her home was always a place of joy, creativity, and comfort, a reflection of her generous heart.

Judy was also very devoted to her family. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose legacy of faith, kindness, and service will continue to live on in the lives she touched.

Judy is survived by her husband of 56 years, Roland Earnst of Buchanan, MI; sons, Kevin (Susan) Earnst of Prescott Valley, AZ, Todd (Amanda) Earnst of Jackson, MI and Chad (Rebekah Garber) Earnst of Gwynedd Valley, PA; grandchildren, Corey (Cathryn) Earnst, Ethan (Ryleigh) Earnst, Oliver Earnst, Tyler Earnst, Alysa Earnst, Aidan Earnst, Addison Earnst, Austin Earnst, Harrison Earnst, and Madison Garber; great-grandchildren, Leo, Everleigh, Weston, and Cameron Earnst, and brother-in-law, David Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Vivian Longworth, and sister, Sandra Johnson.

A celebration of life service will be held at the Buchanan Christian Church, Moccasin and Third streets in Buchanan, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 6. The service will also be livestreamed. To attend virtually, please use the following link https://www.youtube.com/@BuchananChristianChurch/streams. Burial will take place privately at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, December 5, also at the church and on Saturday at 10 a.m. preceding the service.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Buchanan Christian Church Mission Fund.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Swem Chapel, Buchanan. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.