Judith Ellen Dutton

Judith “Judy” Ellen Dutton, age 75, of Peoria, Illinois passed away on September 25, 2024. She was born on June 8, 1949 in South Bend, Indiana to Edward and Margaret (Stroup) McNabney. She married John Dutton on May 2, 1992 in San Diego, California. Judy is survived by her husband, John; his daughter, Mandy Dutton; first cousins, Mike Niblick and Betsy Frank; sister-in-law, Debi Bashleben; two nieces, a nephew, six grand-nephews and a grand-niece. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her sister, Myrna Corbett.

Judy was raised in Park Forest, IL, 30 miles south of downtown Chicago. Judy and John began dating her junior year at Crete-Monee High School, located on the edge of the south suburbs of Chicago. The relationship continued at Valparaiso University, where Judy graduated in 1971 with a BA, majoring in English and Spanish. Their paths separated and Judy returned to her hometown, commuting to Chicago’s loop for positions with companies headquartered in Chicago. In 1976, she moved to San Diego, CA, where she had family and held positions with West Coast firms, lastly as trade show manager for a publishing company. During those 16 years in San Diego, she made many lifelong friends.

Judy and John reconnected in Southern California and after their marriage, John’s Caterpillar career had her moving to Peoria, Columbus, OH, seven years in Singapore, and a return to Peoria where John retired in 2006. In retirement, Judy renewed fun connections with dear friends in San Diego in the winter and enjoyed new relationships by joining the Get Off Your Rockers club. During summers in Wisconsin, she made many delightful friends, and when in Peoria, she continued her tennis and women’s group friendships.

Leadership skills helped to establish her wide circle of friends. She was president of her sorority at Valpo, the American Women’s Association in Singapore, and the Peoria Symphony Guild, among others. She was close to her sorority sisters, who have been meeting annually for over 15 years.

Cause of death were complications of strokes suffered 52 days earlier. Cremation rites have been accorded by Davison-Fulton Woolsey Wilton. A private service was held at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Words of comfort can be shared with the Dutton family at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com or mailed to 6500 N. Queen Frances Lane, Peoria, IL 61615.