ROCKFORD — Judith Ann Hatfield, 72, of Rockford went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, March 11. Judy died at home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with a rare lung disease.  

Judy was born on Sept. 17, 1949 to Charles and Ellen Rose Horton in Rochelle. She attended Rochelle Township High School and the DeKalb School of Cosmetology. Judy loved sleepovers with her grandchildren, spending time with her family, NASCAR races, attending family sporting events, her fur babies and long rides with her mom and sister. Judy also enjoyed traveling, especially beach vacations and cruises and relaxing in her favorite chair listening to Christian music.

Judy is survived by her husband of 55 years, Doug; her two sons: Jeff and Kevin (Tara), her mother, Rose Horton, sister, Tammy (Brett) Milligan; grandchildren: Danika and Victoria Hatfield, Monica. Tristan and Faith Hatfield; great grandson, Kaidyn Hatfield; nieces and nephews: Chad (Lisa) Dubbs, Matt (Shelly) Milligan, Tara Bybee and Crislene Dubbs; several great nieces and nephews and her faithful fur baby, Peyton Bentley.

She is preceded in death by her father, Charles Horton; infant son, Christopher Todd; sister, Janice (Harry) Dubbs and brother, Charles Eugene Horton.

Judy had a fierce love for her family through life’s trials and tribulations. If you knew her, you knew you were loved by the best. We will always miss Judy and a day will never pass without precious memories of her.  

A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, March 19 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle with her two nephews, Roger Hatfield and Chris Eldridge officiating. A memorial visitation will be held before the service from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Cremation care has been provided by the Unger-Horner Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Unity Hospice of Rochelle. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.