She was born in Shelbyville on May 5, 1933, the daughter of William F. and Kathryn (Shoemaker) Beatty. Judy married Dan C. Dees in Decatur on September 15, 1955.
Judy graduated from Decatur High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in home economics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her primary vocation of excellence was as a homemaker. In 1977, she began her career as a farm manager for Beatty Farms and remained dedicated to that until her passing.
She passionately volunteered for organizations such as the Island Bay Yacht Club, Junior League, the Illinois State Museum, the American Red Cross, and First Congregational Church. She crewed faithfully for husband Dan on their Thistle sailboat on Lake Springfield and hosted great gatherings of friends for bridge club and college bowl. She loved the water and trips to the ocean, delighting in swimming and shelling in Florida. She skillfully played piano and sang in the church choir. She was intelligent, passionate, and strong-willed, and loved by her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, William O. Beatty.
Judy is survived by her husband, Dan Dees; daughter, Susan (Tim) Hargrove of Mechanicsburg; son, Paul (Kay) Dees of Washington state; grandchildren, David Dees and Bethany (David) Guthrie; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Ceremony will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, with Pastor Tim Hargrove officiating. Visitation will follow until 6:00 p.m. at Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.
Burial: 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Oblong Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lincoln Memorial Gardens.
Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer your condolences.
