Judith Ann Ruef (née Paar), 84, of Freeport, died Monday, August 28, 2023, in Manor Court of Freeport, Illinois. She was born on February 1, 1939, in Freeport, IL, the daughter of Edward and Nelma Paar (née Gillogly). Judy received her teaching degree from UW Platteville in Platteville, Wisconsin, in 1961 and married Edward Ruef in Freeport, on June 29, 1963.  Judy enjoyed teaching in the Rockford, Illinois schools as well as teaching 5th grade for several years at St. James Catholic School in Belvidere, Illinois.  She and her husband brought up four strong and independent daughters.  They always knew she believed in them and she was their biggest fan.  Her greatest joy was her family and having them around her.  She loved crafting and would knit and make cards.  The kids would fight over who would get her handmade washcloths. She had many friends and had great adventures with her high school and college buddies throughout the years. She also loved her bridge group, where she had played monthly for over 40 years. She was a devout Roman Catholic and faithful servant.

She is survived by her children Michelle Ruef; Ann Heimann and her husband, John; Kathleen Faber and her husband, Gary; Kimberly Zagorski and her husband, Joseph.  She is also survived by her grandchildren Quinn Heimann, Cameron Heimann, Brenna Faber, Kylie Faber and Lauren Faber as well as her nephew, Jeff Paar, and his wife, Pam.

She is predeceased by her parents, Edward and Nelma Paar (née Gillogly), her brother, Richard Paar, who died in infancy, her brother, Gary Paar, and his wife, Joyce, and her ex-husband, Edward Ruef.

John 16:22 – So you have pain now; but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, September 8, 2023, in St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1400 Kiwanis Dr, Freeport, IL, 61032. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., prior to the service in the church.   Burial in Oakland Cemetery.