ST. JOSEPH – Judy L. Smith, 53, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 5, 2009, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana following a courageous battle with Ewing's Sarcoma.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 10, 2009, at St. Johns Lutheran Church, Royal, with the Rev. Jay Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Rutland Cemetery, Rutland. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand, St. Joseph. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday at Rutland Cemetery.

She was born September 8, 1955, in Pontiac, the daughter of Kenneth and Lorene Feken Weppler.

Survivors include one son, Anderson Marshall Smith of Royal; a sister, Rhonda (Daniel) Gordon of Penfield; her father of Urbana; several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews; and her ex-husband, Rusty Smith of Royal.

She was preceded in death by her mother.

Judy was a 1973 graduate of Minonk-Dana-Rutland High School. She graduated from Parkland College with a degree in dental assisting.

Judy was an orthodontic assistant for Drs. Powell, Schmisseur, and Fleming in Champaign-Urbana for 24 years. She then was employed by Health Alliance.

She was a member of Prairieview School Board of Education, Royal, and St. John's Lutheran Church, Royal where she was a member of the choir and a soloist. Judy enjoyed watching her son's athletic events.

Judy will be remembered for her terrific sense of humor, smile and strength.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. John's Lutheran Church Music Department, 203 Church St., Royal, IL 61871; or the St. Joseph-Ogden Athletic Department, 301 N. Main St., St. Joseph, IL 61873.