Judy Hough

Age 83, of Mahomet, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on November 21, 2023, at her home following an extended illness. Born on March 21, 1940, in Hammond, Indiana, Judy was the daughter of Ralph Emerson and Ruth Olivia (Hutchins) Parker. She spent her early years in Northwest Indiana and graduated from Griffith High School. Judy's passion for knowledge led her to St. Joseph College in Rensselaer where she began her collegiate journey in English and Elementary Education. Later on, she transferred to Eastern Illinois University where she earned her bachelor's degree. Her enthusiasm for education didn't stop there as she went on to attain a master's degree in early education from the University of Illinois.

On June 9, 1962, Judy married the love of her life Michael Francis Hough, Jr. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Griffith. Together they built a warm and loving home where they raised their beautiful family. Judy devoted her career to education and made a lasting impact by teaching pre-school and early education throughout the Champaign School District and Iroquois County. She remained an active member of her local Catholic Parish throughout her life and in recent years found solace at Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Mahomet. Additionally, Judy cherished her membership in The Diva's group which brought her many dear friends.

Judy had a deep affection for nature and delighted in creating cherished memories while traveling. Above all else, children held a special place in Judy's heart. Her kind and lovely soul, as well as extensive knowledge will forever be remembered by those fortunate enough to have known and loved her.

Survivors include her four children and their spouses: Kathleen and Thomas Whaley of St. Paul, Minnesota, Molly and Michael Lutz of Morris, Illinois, Patty and Terry Tierney of Philo, Illinois and Michael, III and Stephanie Hough of Petersburg, Illinois; (11) grandchildren: Kate (Britt) Andros, Kristen (Chris) Madigan, Ruth Whaley, Tom Whaley, Aileen Tierney, Jack Whaley, Abigail Tierney, Michael Hough IV, Emily Hough, Seamus Tierney and Elizabeth Hough; four great grandchildren: Clare and Keira Madigan and Anthony and James Andros, and two brothers: Blaine (Kay) Parker of Schererville, Indiana and Jon (the late Jane) Parker of Naperville, Illinois.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Ruth Parker and her husband, Michael Francis, Jr. on December 31, 2015.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 600 East Jackson Street in Morris, Illinois on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.  Rev. Jason Stone will preside.

Immediately following the Mass, the family will receive friends in the narthex of the church prior to welcoming everyone to the St. Angela Room at Immaculate Conception School for a memorial luncheon.

Judy will be privately inurned at Riverside Cemetery in Mahomet, where she will be laid to rest with her late husband.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Judy’s memory to Head Start of Iroquois County, 1001 East Grant Street, Watseka, IL 60970

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Judy’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation and memorial services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-942-2500)