Ruby Judy

Princeton - Ruby D. Judy, age 93, of Princeton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, at Liberty Village Nursing Home in Princeton. Ruby was born on October 27, 1932, in Watseka, Illinois, to Lea H. and Amy H. (Gaffield) Doran. She was raised with strong values of faith, family, and service-principles that guided her throughout her life. Ruby pursued her education with determination and heart. After graduating from Donovan High School, she began working toward a degree in education at Illinois State University. On March 1, 1953, she married the love of her life, Max L. Judy, in San Francisco, California, while Max was serving in the United States Army. Ruby lovingly placed her education on hold to raise their family, a role she cherished deeply. Years later, with the same perseverance she showed in all areas of life, she completed her Bachelor's Degree in Education through extension courses, graduating on August 8, 1969. That same year, Ruby began her teaching career in Morton, Illinois. In 1970, Ruby and Max moved their family to Princeton, where Ruby began what would become a remarkable 26-year tenure at Lincoln School. Over a total of 28 years in education, she touched the minds and hearts of countless students-most notably generations of second graders, along with one memorable year teaching fifth grade. Ruby retired in 1996, but her influence never faded; even during her later years at Liberty Village, former students continued to recognize her fondly as their second-grade teacher. A woman of deep and abiding faith, Ruby was a devoted and active member of Christ Community Church. She attended worship services faithfully, participated in Bible studies and prayer circles, taught Sunday School, assisted with funeral dinners, and volunteered wherever she was needed. Her commitment to prayer remained strong throughout her life, including during her time at Liberty Village. Ruby found great joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved fishing alongside Max, and together they explored lakes and nature in their canoe. She cherished time spent entertaining her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends-always welcoming anyone who stopped by with warmth and generosity. She also enjoyed reading, sewing, and cheering on her favorite sports teams. Ruby is lovingly survived by her sons, Mark (Sue) Judy of Peru, Illinois, and Steven (Miranda) Judy of Chillicothe, Illinois; four grandchildren, Kelsey (Charlie) Hazard of Peru, Illinois, Cassandra (Charles) Johnson of West Des Moines, Iowa, Collin (Chelsey) Judy of Chillicothe, Illinois, and Keaton Judy of St. Paul, Minnesota; and five treasured great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lea and Amy Doran; her beloved husband, Max Judy; her brother, Robert Doran; and her sister, Marjorie (Doran) Wolfe. Visitation will be held Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments Funeral services will take place Monday, February 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Brian Lord officiating. Graveside services will follow at Oakland Cemetery, where Ruby will be laid to rest beside Max. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren and their spouses: Cassandra Johnson, Charles Johnson, Kelsey Hazard, Charlie Hazard, Collin Judy, Chelsey Judy, and Keaton Judy. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Second Story Teen Center, reflecting Ruby's lifelong commitment to nurturing and guiding young lives. Ruby D. Judy will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her servant's heart, her love of family, and the countless lives she shaped with patience, kindness, and grace. Online condolences may be directed to www.norbergfh.com Arrangements entrusted to Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.

Ruby Judy

October 27, 1932 - January 25, 2026