Born December 18, 1938 in Peoria to Hershal J. “Doc” and Mary E. “Vic” (Drake) Knackmuhs, she married Joseph Daniel Bennett on May 30, 1959 in Pekin. Joe and Judy were married for 60 years before his passing, August 29, 2019 in West Peoria. She was also preceded in death by her parents and one infant sister, Penny.
Surviving are three sons, John (Sandra) Bennett of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, Jamie (Vickie) Bennett and Jay “Tony” (Sherry) Bennett, both of Pekin; 18 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren and two sisters, Rita Knackmus of Pekin and Marcia Messer of South Pekin.
Judith was a past member of Pekin ABWA, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1869 Ladies Auxiliary and past president of Wilson School Mother’s Club.
She had worked as bus driver for Hoyle Transportation Services in Pekin for 17 years. She later prepared taxes at Alexander Accounting and Phillips Tax Service for the remainder of her career.
Judy enjoyed crocheting, playing cards, supporting her children and grandchildren in their school activities, and most of all, spending time with family.
Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Steve Weber will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be given to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
