Judith Kruse

GROVELAND – Judith K. “Judy” Kruse, 76, of Groveland, passed away on Monday, July 19, 2021, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

She was born on August 30, 1944 in Fairbury, Ill., to Dean and Kathryn (Hetherington) Hall. She married Ronald “Ron” Kruse in Morton, Ill., on October 7, 1962. He survives.

Also surviving are her two daughters, Lori (Terry) Parkin of Pekin and Leanne (Cindy) Kruse of Monterey, Tenn.; grandchildren, Karis (Douglas) Lawson and Karlee (Brandon) Lanhardt, both of Groveland; four great-grandchildren, Freya Kay and Beckett Lawson, Evan Lanhardt, and Paxton Parkin; sisters, Deana (Bill) Hall and Doris Hall, both of Kansas City, Kan.; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by both parents; and one niece, Rachel Higgins-VanDyke.

Judy was the Executive Director at Central Illinois Riding Therapy (CIRT) for 29 years, until retirement, after which she served another 8 years on the advisory board.

She was Superintendent at the Illinois State Jr. Horse Show for over 30 years. Judy was an avid volunteer and heavily involved with 4-H for over 40 years.

Ron and Judy enjoyed their memberships with several horse clubs, which allowed them to trail ride throughout the country. For the past 20 years, she and Ron spent their winters in Arizona enjoying the weather and the view of the Superstition Mountains, never missing an opportunity to brag to any listening ear about how wonderful it was.

Judy’s love for horses and riding was apparent, but nothing compared to the love she had for her grandchildren.

Cremation rites will be accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 19, 2021, at Pekin Country Club in Pekin, Ill.

Memorials may be made to Central Illinois Riding Therapy.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.