Judith Kay Russell, 75, of Gilbert, Arizona, died Saturday, May 6, 2023.

Judy was born on August 15, 1947 in Lafayette, Indiana to the late Laurie Winninger and Betty (Butler) Winninger. She graduated from Jefferson High School in Lafayette in 1965. Judy married James Edward Russell on May 13, 1967 in New Buffalo, Michigan. They had two children, Ginger Sue and James Willard. Judy and Jim raised their family in DeKalb County, Illinois (Shavona and DeKalb). They retired to Gold Canyon, Arizona.

Judy was bequeathed to her husband of 56 years, Jim Russell. Her children are Ginger Golden (her husband Jeff) of Gilbert, Arizona and Jim “Butch” Russell (her wife Mindy) of Geneva, Illinois. Judy leaves her four granddaughters of Jessica Neves (Bobby), Heidi Jimenez (Joey), Mikayla Cresen, and Marissa Russell. Her four great-grandchildren: Lincoln, Liam, Nolan, and Elijah. She is also survived by five sisters: Linda Cedarquist (Toby), Ellen King (Stephen), Lois Taylor, Gail McCauley (Jeff) and Janet Bishop (Mark). Her three siblings: Herbert Winninger, Glenn Winninger (Debbie) and George Winninger (Kathy). Judy was widowed by her parents and her younger sister LaDonna.

Judy worked at Shavona Orphanage for 25 years. After she moved to Arizona, she also worked as a nursing assistant in the Apache Junction School District for 12 years. She was kind, caring and loving to her patients as well as to her family and friends. During her time with her family, she enjoyed cooking/baking, hiking, and playing golf. Her motto was “Life is Good!” She will be in our hearts forever! At Judy’s celebration of her life in Indiana this July, we gather to share some of Judy’s favorite memories of her.