Judith Koch

Judith A. Koch, 79, of Harvard passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on July 4, 2022. She was born April 18, 1943, to Ernie and Mildred Martin in Harvard. 

Mom met the love of her life, Dick, through her brother Gary on the Martin family farm while chasing pigeons from the barn. They married on July 22, 1960, in Harvard. 

Mom worked for Admiral, Planzer Bakery, and drove a school bus for D50, but her most loved work was Judy’s Florist which she ran from 1983 through May 2022 delivering, arranging, and bringing joy through her love of flowers to her community and to those she knew and loved. 

Judy was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Harvard High School Class of 1961. She was a “pink lady” at Harvard Hospital, a member of Dunham Homemakers, and the Harvard Booster Club. She volunteered in whatever we were involved in, whether it was at school, 4-H, or sports. She was serving on the Mt. Auburn Cemetery Board and was the Chemung Township Clerk. 

Spending time with her family was her greatest joy. She always had a smile; always putting family and friends before herself. She saw the good in everything; adding “It’ll be alright” jumping in and helping anyone who needed it. 

We will miss Mom tremendously: Kathy (Roger) Nolen, Kim (Per Andersson)  Ash, Kelley (Dan) Drake, Karen Morris, and Richie (Laurie Selvey) Koch. She cherished her grandchildren: Adam (Billiejo Kiefer), Emily (Miguel), Raquel, Luke (Jessica), Jenna (Neal), Drake, Elle, Fallon, Tim, Alex (Hannah), Madison, Dakota, and Cheyenne (Hunter). She absolutely adored her great-grandchildren: Jackson, Nico, Theo, Remi, Faye, Iyra, Levin, Ryelan, Kylie, Adam, and expecting another in November.

She is survived by her brothers, David Martin, Mike (Penny) Martin, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Mom is preceded in death by her husband Dick in 2018, her parents Ernie and Mildred, her brother Gary, sister-in-law Dolores Martin, her sister Janice Ebel, and her son-in-law Chuck Morris. 

We will have a “Celebration of Life” on Friday, July 15, 2022, from 1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.at The First United Methodist Church, Harvard. The burial will be private. Memorials may be made to The First United Methodist Church.

The family was assisted by Saunders and McFarlin Harvard, IL (815) 943-5400

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