Judy Lalia Kurth, 74, of Harvard, passed away peacefully with her children by her side under hospice care at home on April 10, 2021, after a brief battle against a rare illness.
Judy was born February 20, 1947, to Stanley H. and Gertrude J. (Voss) Cutts in DeKalb, IL. She spent her early years in Genoa, IL, living on a farm before her family moved to Harvard. That is where her family made their home and continued to raise their children. Judy was a graduate of the Harvard High School Class of 1965. On August 31, 1968, she was united in marriage to Lee Kurth at Trinity Lutheran Church in Harvard. Lee preceded her in death on October 30, 2013, shortly after celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary.
Upon graduation from high school, Judy became a legal secretary for the local law firm of McCauley and Weir. Once her children were born, Judy became a dedicated mother and housewife. In 1983, at the suggestion of the school superintendent, who was Judy’s neighbor, she embarked on a 20 plus-year career with Harvard School District 50 as a teacher’s aide for a special education classroom.
Although her fingers were affected by rheumatoid arthritis, Judy enjoyed needlework and stitchery and produced many beautiful pieces. As a good cook, she spoiled her family with delicious food, especially desserts, which her children took in their school lunches and became the envy of their classmates. She enjoyed playing cards and other board games with her family, especially with her grandchildren. Influenced by her husband, Judy was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and kept abreast of the news of the team. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran church in Harvard where she enjoyed practicing her faith.
Survivors include her son Gregory (Regina) Kurth of Geneva, IL; daughter Laura (Scot) Hay of Harvard; 3 grandchildren Anastasia Kurth and Colin & Erik Hay; brothers Ronald, Rickey, and William (Nancy) Cutts, all of Harvard; sister-in-law Sharon Kurth of Harvard; many nieces and nephews; aunts and an uncle; and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the outstanding staff at Mercyhealth at Home Hospice Team for the wonderful assistance they provided. Also, the family’s heartfelt appreciation is extended to Pastor Elizabeth Martin for her visits to Judy at the hospital, her support through this ordeal, and the special service she provided at Judy’s home.
The visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Thursday, April 15, 2021, at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner St., Harvard, IL 60033. The family is planning a private, invitation-only service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Harvard due to restricted capacity because of the pandemic. Interment will be at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Harvard.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Harvard; Harvard Fire Rescue Department, P.O Box 263, Harvard, IL 60033; Northwest Rescue, 650 Chippewa Unit 2, Harvard, IL 60033; The Arthritis Foundation at arthritis.org; and Mercyhealth at Home Hospice, 2400 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.saundersmcfarlin.net.
Call the funeral home for more info at 815-943-5400.
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