Judy Russell, 81, of Ottawa, passed away Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 at Pleasant View in Ottawa surrounded by her 3 children and her sister.
Visitation will be Saturday, June 7th, 2025 from 10am – 12pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A short service will follow. Burial will be private at a later date.
Judy was born January 21, 1944 in Ashland Wisconsin to Joseph and Verna (Visocky) Ftacek. She attended St. Francis Grade School and graduated from Marquette in 1962. She was the first female color guard sergeant for the Marquette Crusaders Drum Corps, and remained a life long Drum Corps fan.
She married Omer Lockard in 1963 and they had 3 children.
She then married Dale Russell June 5, 1982. They had 31 years together traveling and enjoying their home in rural Marseilles. He preceded her in death Oct. 29, 2013
Judy worked at US Silica, Ottawa Steel & Wine, Amcheck, and many other jobs over her lifetime.
She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Ottawa until her health prevented her from attending.
She enjoyed crocheting blankets and collecting Hall China. She was a Cubs fan and enjoyed going to games when she was able.
Judy is survived by the Best Cat Ever, Storm, as well as her 3 children, Angela (Mark) Miller, Barbara (Jim) DeRoche, Michael (Abbey Lerner) Lockard. 3 Grand children, Andrew and Cory Armstrong and Nick Miller. Her sister Pat (Kevin) Brown and her nephews Mike (Jackéé), Steve (Christin), James (Caitlin) Brown and niece Becky (Jason) Spaulding.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother in infancy and her husband.
Special Thank You to Jami Kennedy-Rice who took great care of Judy for 10 years, and became part of the family. Thank you to Dawn, Linda, Norma, and the others who helped with Judy’s care over the past years.
Thank you to the 4th floor nurses, CNAs and staff at PVL for their care over the past years.
Memorials may be directed to the family or Pet Project.
The Online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com
Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory
1111 LaSalle St.
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 433-0300
