02/25/2026
Judith Ann Silsbee, 68, of Bath, NY, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Noyes Hospital in Dansville, NY, after a courageous battle with cancer. Known to many as Judy, she was born in Bath on August 9, 1957, to Douglas and Joyce Marshall. She graduated from Bath-Haverling High School in 1975. On October 16, 1982, she married her best friend, Douglas L. Silsbee, and together they built a loving family with their two children.
Judy’s passion for horses began in her teens and remained a defining part of her life. In her early years she competed in multiple disciplines, but it was barrel racing that captured her heart. She became a skilled and accomplished rider, earning numerous awards with her beloved horse, Blue. Her children followed in her footsteps, and the Silsbee family was a familiar and cherished presence at local horse shows. Judy was also a dedicated supporter of the Steuben County 4‑H Horse Program, always ready to lend a hand or share her knowledge.
While she was a devoted stay‑at‑home mom, Judy also poured her heart into running Thundering Hooves Tack Shop, her pride and joy. She loved helping horse owners near and far find exactly what they needed. Even after her cancer diagnosis in 2024, she continued serving her community with unwavering kindness and determination—right up to the final days of her life.
Judy adored her horses and dogs, but becoming a grandmother brought a new kind of joy. Her grandchildren lit up her world, and she spoke of them with a smile that could brighten any room. They loved their “Nana Judy” deeply, and she treasured every moment spent caring for them.
After the passing of her husband Doug in 2016, Judy’s faith was tested, yet she held firmly to her belief that God had a plan for her. Throughout her illness, her resilience inspired everyone around her. Though her life was far too short, she lived it with love, faith, and pride in her children and grandchildren—who remain endlessly proud of her.
Judy is survived by her daughter Tara (Collin) Muller; son Nathan (Nicole) Silsbee; grandchildren Parker Muller, Aubree Muller, and Emmett Silsbee; sister Joan (Steve) Burdick; brother Timothy (Karen) Marshall; sisters‑in‑law Pamela (Jack) Bisikirski and Donna Silsbee; brother‑in‑law Keith Silsbee; nephews Dylan Marshall, Justin Marshall, and Benjamin Bisikirski; and nieces Danica Burdick and Scarlett Bisikirski.
She is predeceased by her husband Douglas, her parents Douglas and Joyce Marshall, and her parents‑in‑law Donald and Marion Lucille Silsbee.
Judy will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the entire local horse community whose lives she touched with her generosity, spirit, and love.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday March 4, 2026 from 4-6 pm at the Bond-Davis Funeral Home , 107 E. Steuben St., Bath. A funeral service will be held Thursday March 5, 2026 at 11AM with a burial at Nondaga Cemetery to follow.
In lieu of flowers. Donations can be made to the Finger lakes SPCA or Joyce Meyer Ministries.