After a long and full life, Judith Lynne Elder passed away at home on January 24, 2024 , surrounded by her family.
Judy was born on September 7, 1937, the second child of Lyle and Leatha Tyrrell. She grew up in North Henderson, Illinois, and graduated from Alexis High School in 1955.
She began her married life with her high school sweetheart, John K. Elder, on September 8, 1956. As a team, they raised seven children in Alexis. She was the major supporter of John and his football teams. She could identify a hold, a clip, or safety as if she played herself. There were few fall Friday nights in her life when she did not attend or listen to a football game.
Judy was a role model and encourager for her children and grandchildren as well. She was actively involved in their schooling and extracurricular events. Her nightly family meals were shared with many of her children’s friends who stayed in town before an evening event at school. Everyone knew they could find a fresh-baked cookie (usually chocolate chip) at Judy’s house.
Besides being a housewife, Judy worked in a variety of roles to support their young family as John earned his degree. Later, she owned and operated Village Flower and Gift in Alexis. At the end of her work days, she was a dental assistant.
She and John traveled throughout the United States with friends near and far, but they always loved to return home to Alexis and family.
In addition to her family, Judy was devoted to God and an active member of St. Theresa Catholic Church. Most family gatherings included Mass together. She found solace in the promise of everlasting life, and we are confident she will be welcomed there. Preceding her in death were her parents and her brothers Stanley, Jeff, and Jim.
She is survived by her husband, John K. and their children: John E. (Kathy) of Joliet, Mary Lynne (Chuck) Grant of Roseville, Joe (Susan) of Cary, Jennifer (Kurt) Gibson of Bloomington, Teresa (Marlon) Ricketts of Rochelle, Kathleen (Lynn) Schipper of Fulton, and Patrick (Casey) of Geneseo. Grandchildren surviving are Katie (Brett) Cazalet, Andrea (Rob) Lawrence, and Eric (Sarah) Grant; Michael (Sydney), David, Jane, and Dan Elder; Nick, Ben, Chris (Tea), and Drew Gibson; Jacob(Mackenzie), Adam, and Gregory Ricketts; Kyle, Kraig, and Kole Schipper; and Mitch, John Patrick, and Maggie Elder. Three sisters-in-law survive: Joan Sperry, Karol Tyrrell, and Lois Tyrrell. There are also eleven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Judy will be at the Alexis Fieldhouse (old HS gym) on Monday, January 29, 2024. The Rosary will begin at 4:30 pm with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 10:30 am at St. Theresa’s. Burial will follow in the Alexis Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Alexis Community Fund. Moore Memorial Home, Alexis, is handling the arrangements.
