Judith Ann “Judy” Oliver, 82, of LaHarpe, Ill., died at 1:05 a.m. Saturday, June 15, 2024 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Ill.
Judy was born March 10, 1942 in LaHarpe the daughter of Charles and Maxine Bice Ferguson. She married Richard Oliver in 1959. They later divorced.
Judy attended LaHarpe High School. She began working at Gene & Bev’s Grocery Store in Blandinsville, Ill., and relocated to their LaHarpe store. The store changed hands and became R & D Grocery Store and later, R & M Grocery Store. She was a loyal employee to the store for 55 years, retiring in 2020. Judy enjoyed visiting with everyone who came into the store. She never met a stranger and was well known for her infectious laugh. She also enjoyed reading, jigsaw puzzles, and playing cards, especially pitch.
She was a member of the LaHarpe Christian Church.
Survivors include one daughter: Barbara Oliver of LaHarpe; one grandson: Kevin Oliver of LaHarpe; two sisters: Janet (Larry) Johnson of LaHarpe and Jean Mershon of LaHarpe; one brother: Larry (Lisa) Long of Blandinsville and one sister-in-law: Karen Ferguson of Roseville, Illinois.
She was preceded in death by four children in infancy: Terry, Sherry, Lisa and Brenda Oliver; one brother: James Ferguson; one sister: Jerilyn Long and a brother-in-law: Terry Mershon.
Friends may call after 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe, where the family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m.
The funeral service for Judy will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 20 at the LaHarpe Christian Church with Pastor Nate McCarter officiating.
Cremation will be accorded following the service. A graveside service for friends and family will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 22 at LaHarpe Cemetery with Pastor Gordon Blankenship officiating.
A memorial fund has been established for the LaMoine Christian Service Camp. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Judy’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.