Judy was born June 4th, 1943 in Bloomington, IL to Emmett and Lydia Lynnwood (Smith) Evans.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, John Everett Probus. They were married May 29th, 1964 in Joliet Il. She is survived by her three daughter, Stephanie (Randy) Probus Boyd, Downs; Julie (Andy) Probus-Schad, New Melle, MO; Nicole (Jeremy) Probus Wilcox, Heyworth; Six Grandchildren, Randall (Johanna) Zychowski; Zachary John Zychowski; Jodie (Andy) Buttrey; Bradley (Chelsea) Zychowski; Alexandra Schad; Lydia Wilcox; and three great-grandchildren, Bay Walden, Alayna Zychowski, and Bruce Zychowski. Along with her children and grandchildren, Judy truly appreciated her sons-in-law often saying that she loved them as her own.
She was also preceded in death by her parents and four sisters, Beatrice Bell, Vivian Evans, Virginia Wirick, and Margaret Myers, three brothers, Jimmie Evans, Ronald Evans, and Sammy Evans. She is survived by one brother, Bobby (Dorene) Evans.
Judy enjoyed caring for her children at home until they reached school age. She then went on to work in hospitality services at BroMenn and later retired from St. Joseph’s Hospital. Over the course of her career Judy made many friends. Her care giving spirit was shared with all who knew her; she even gained a few “extras” along the way that endearingly refer to her as their second mom.
Judy was a philanthropist at heart. Over the years she provided countless meals for both Home Sweet Home Mission and Safe Harbor. Judy also managed several book drives to benefit underserved libraries in South Africa, Horsebranch Elementary School in Kentucky as well as the library at the Western Avenue Community Center.
Judy orchestrated an entire donation center in Joplin, Missouri after the 2011 tornado; where she distributed aid to those affected by the disaster. One of her proudest moments was being chosen by the Secret Service to attend the memorial service for the tornado victims. The eulogy was given by President Barack Obama.
Judy also found love in a rescue cat named Sam who was as ornery and funny as she was. He brought her great joy while giving her a run for her money. For enjoyment, Judy spent many hours at the McLean County Historical Museum and Bloomington Public Library researching family genealogy.
It is no surprise that each and every one of her six grandchildren thought that they were her personal favorite. Spoiler Alert … Judy loved each one of them tremendously! Of her many roles, being a grandmother and great grandmother were the roles she cherished most! She did it beautifully with humor and grace.
Cremation rights have been accorded. There will be a celebration of Judy’s life on Monday, November 18th, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Eastlawn Funeral Home Chapel. A family led service will be held from 11:30 to 12:00 p.m. followed by a graveside interment of both Judith Sue Probus and her beloved husband John Everett Probus, together again for eternity.
Immediately following internment, the family with host a luncheon at the Holiday Inn and Suites, 3202 East Empire, Bloomington, IL .
Memorials may be made to the Western Avenue Community Center, Bloomington, IL or the
Trauma Assistance Program-International, TAP-IN www.traumaassistanceprogram-international.org
