Judith Jane Garrard

Judith Jane Garrard, 75, of Altamont, IL, formerly of Palestine, IL, passed away on September 25, 2022, at StoneBridge Memory Care in Effingham, IL. She was born August 11, 1947, at the Mary Sherman Hospital in Sullivan, IN, the daughter of Richard H. & Virginia J. (Brimberry) Kitchell. A 1965 graduate of Palestine High School, Judy would go on to work for Farmers State Bank and the Newton Credit Bureau before becoming the secretary for the First Christian Church in Palestine, a title she held for many years. It was here that she glorified her Heavenly Father through music. A talented pianist and organist, not only did she fill the chapel with a sweet and beautiful sound, but her home as well. By all accounts, home was where her heart belonged. She poured herself into being the best wife, mother, and grandmother she could be and loved nothing more than attending her son's and granddaughters' activities.

Those who knew her will remember Judy as a quiet and reserved soul who lived and loved like Jesus. We are thankful that, by His grace, her 75 years are but the beginning of life eternal!

On August 6, 1966, she married Richard Garrard, and they enjoyed 56 years of wedded happiness before her passing. Also left behind to cherish her memory are her son & daughter-in-law, Brian & Amelia Garrard (Altamont, IL); her granddaughters, Madison & husband Logan Gerke (Fort Wayne, IN) and Peyton Garrard (Altamont, IL); her great-granddaughter, Kyrie Gerke (due to be born in February); and her brother & sister-in-law, Richard J. & Karen Kitchell (O'Fallon, IL).

A time of visitation will be held from 10:00-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 1st, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Jody Kitts of Altamont Christian Church officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by visiting www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .

Burial will be in the Palestine Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to either "Samaritan's Purse" or to "St. Jude Children's Research Hospital", with envelopes available at the funeral home.