Judith Louise Orn

Judith Louise (Kelly) Orn peacefully passed away on December 26th, surrounded by her family. Judy was born on September 27, 1948 in Savanna, Illinois to Robert and Ruth (Law) Kelly. Soon after Judy graduated from high school, she went to work at the Savanna Army Depot as a keypunch operator. She was set up on a date by her friend, with a safety officer at the depot - Michael Orn. It didn’t take Judy or Mike long to realize that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, and they were married at First United Methodist Church in Savanna on January 20, 1968. Not long after they were married, Mike’s job took them to Washinton, D.C., where they expanded their family with two sons – Todd and Dean. They then moved to Langdon, North Dakota and completed their family with the birth of their daughter Catherine. Once again, Mike’s job required another move, where they found their “forever” home in Philo, Illinois. There they raised their children and met many wonderful friends through clubs, organizations, and especially through their involvement with Countryside United Methodist Church.

Judy volunteered in everything she could find, including room mother at Philo Elementary School, Sunday School teacher, Brownie Troop leader, Church Council secretary, and chief cheerleader at any and all of the kids’ activities. Anyone that knew Judy knew two things, 1. Her family meant everything to her and 2. There was no arts and crafts thing she could not do. From intricate quilts, to wedding dresses, to knitting hundreds of hats for newborns at the local hospitals. She filled her home with handmade décor and shared her talents with most everyone she met.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Donald, and her husband Mike. She leaves behind her sister Mary (John) Irons, her brother Mike (Jean) Kelly, her children Todd (Susan) Orn, Dean Orn, and Cathy (Ryan) Geister, and her grandchildren R.J. (Teagan) Orn and Will and Ben Geister, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her love, generosity and talents will be missed by many.

Memorial services will be 3:00 PM, Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Countryside United Methodist Church, Urbana, with Rev. Jeff Stahl officiating.  Visitation will be from 1:00 to 3:00 PM Saturday at the church.

Memorials may be made to Countryside United Methodist Church (Urbana, Illinois) https://countrysidemethodist.com/ or Family Service Meals on Wheels (for which Judy was a long-time volunteer) www.famservcc.org/.

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