Judith Ann Claus, 84, of Ottawa, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 in her home, surrounded by family.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Abraham Moller, Pastor of Evangelical United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Ottawa Avenue Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, at the funeral home.
Judy was born on August 29, 1940 in Galesburg, IL to Ellis and Lois (Wallingford) Wenger. She graduated from Rock Falls High School in 1958 where she was a cheerleader and member of the Girls Athletic Association.
She attended Northern Illinois University where she received a degree in Business Education in 1962. She loved her DZ sorority girls and the sisterhood they shared. Her first year of teaching after graduation was in Libertyville, IL.
She married Don Claus on December 19, 1964. Her married life began in Ottawa where she made lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories. She taught several years at Marseilles High School before starting her family. After spending many years at home raising her children she returned to teaching. She taught junior high at St Columba School in Ottawa from 1982 to 1997.
Judy cherished her grandchildren. She enjoyed watching their softball games, baseball games, swim meets, band concerts, and dance recitals. The joy she found from spending time with her family was Judy’s true happiness in life.
She loved traveling, playing cards, golfing, and a good shopping trip. Judy was an avid sports fan. She was an Official Die-Hard Cubs fan and always looked forward to “next year”.
In her later years, she enjoyed playing cards and reminiscing. Her time spent visiting and laughing with friends brought meaning and joy to her days.
She will be remembered as a strong woman who had remarkable endurance when times were tough. She has created a legacy that will carry on within the hearts of her friends and family. She will be sorely missed.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude for the wonderful care she received from Galina Grigoryan.
She is survived by three children, Rob (Karen) Claus of Firestone, CO, Tim (Cathy) Claus of Ottawa, and Becky (Brian) Bengtson of Anna, TX; 7 grandchildren, Kevin, Katie, Cassie, Abi, Ashley, Lauren, and Brady; a brother Stan Wenger of Rock Falls, IL; and sister-in-law Maralee (Bob) Halterman of Ottawa.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Don, and a sister Carol Razo.
Memorial may be directed to the Evangelical United Methodist Church or the family to be designated later.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433