Judith L. (Eccher) Taylor, 85, of Monmouth, IL, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Avon, Illinois to John Calvin and Sara Elizabeth (Gash) Eccher. She was the oldest of 6 children. She spent most of her childhood in Avon enjoying the small-town atmosphere, whether it was going to Avondale Lake on a hot summer day to swim with friends, a movie at the park, or visiting her grandmother who was the town librarian, which sparked her love for reading. As she grew up, she became more adventurous and traveled all over which included living in Germany as an Army wife, and then to California. From there she moved her family back to Avon, Illinois eventually owning the house she grew up in. As her children grew, she moved to the Alexis, IL area and then finally settled in Monmouth, IL.
Judy was the proud mother of Robbie, Rick, Angie, Don Jr, Eric, John, Tony, and Chris.
Judy worked many different jobs ranging from a seamstress in her younger years, the pottery factory in Monmouth, and then also a waitress at the Filling Station and Monmouth County Club. Judy spent many years behind the bar at various establishments, but it was most recently at Abner’s in Monmouth where she found her second home, working there until the remarkable age of 85. With her big personality, sharp wit, and unmistakable warmth, she made every patron feel welcome. Some of her liveliest shifts came when her family would stop by on a Saturday afternoon, “putting her to work,” as she fondly put it. Though she enjoyed the tips and the hustle, she was always happy when her shift was done at the end of the day. For Judy, bartending was never just a job, it was an extension of who she was. She truly cared for the people she served, many of whom became part of her ever-growing extended family.
Judy is survived by her children and their spouses; Robbie and Linda Swift, Rick Bridgewater, Angela and Fender Sharp, Don and Julie Bridgewater, Eric and Teanne Bridgewater, John and Lucinda Ricco, and Tony Ricco. Also surviving are 30 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren, and siblings Jim, Jody, Jenny.
Judy is preceded in death by both parents; sisters, Joy Eccher and Jane Barry; daughter in laws, Sharon Bridgewater, and Mandy Ricco; son, Chris Ricco; her grandson, Michael; her grand-daughter, Kimberly; and a great-grand-daughter. She also was preceded in death by her 5 husbands.
Judy will forever live within our hearts and within the many lives that she has graced along the way. We rest in comfort knowing that Judy has been joyfully reunited with her son, Chris.
Memorial Services will be at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, October 4, 2025 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Interment will be in Babbitt Cemetery, St. Augustine, IL. Following the interment the family would like for family and friends to join them for a luncheon and fellowship at Simulation Sports (400 South Main St, Monmouth) at 1:30 p.m. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, October 3, 2025 at the funeral home. Following the visitation the family will gather at Abner’s (103 Market Alley St., Monmouth) all are welcome to join them. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorials can be made to the Judy Taylor Memorial Fund to support many of Judy’s favorite local charities and can be sent to the funeral home. For more information or to leave an online condolence visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
