Judy Kaye Read, 80, of McLeansboro, IL, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 12, 2026 at Silver Foxes Senior Living and Rehabilitation in McLeansboro with her daughter by her side.
She was born on February 24, 1946 in Michigan City, IN to Halbert M. Phillips, Sr. and Venita B. Phillips. On August 27, 1966, she married Samuel K. Read in Shelbyville, IL, and he preceded her in death on December 2, 2011.
Judy had worked as a licensed practical nurse in long term care as she felt a calling to take care of the elderly. She enjoyed visiting with the girls at the beauty shop for coffee dates. Judy was a talented painter and a good cook. She loved sewing, crocheting, and making quilts. Watching butterflies and hummingbirds was a favorite pastime.
She is survived by her son: Andrew (Mandy) Read of Mt. Vernon, IL, daughters: Christina (Doug) Welton of Shelbyville, IL, Michele Taylor of McLeansboro, IL, and Marla (Alan) Heiman of Cowden, IL, step-son: Kenneth (Rebecca) Read of Powers Lake, ND, and step-daughters: Evelyn Read of Kenmare, ND and Angela (Dannie) Atwood of Snohomish, WA, special niece: Cathie Jefferies-Waite of WA, special friend: Kay McKenzie of McLeansboro, IL, and bonus child: Nancy McDonald of Indianapolis, IN. Thirty-four grandchildren, sixty-eight great grandchildren and nineteen great-great grandchildren also survive.
She was preceded in death by her parents, step-daughter: Deborah Russel, infant step-son: Dennis Read, four grandchildren, two of which were born as angels, one great grandchild born an angel, and five siblings: Betty Read, Dorothy Jefferies, Alice Troy, Charles Phillips, and Halbert M. Phillips, Jr.
Graveside funeral services for Judy Kaye Read will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026 at Antioch Cemetery near Macedonia, IL with Pastor Jacob Gray officiating. Those attending the services are asked to meet directly at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758516, Topeka, KS 66675 and will be accepted at the service or at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro which is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com
