Obituary of Judith Ann Turner
Judith Ann Turner, age 83, of Joliet, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Lightways Hospice, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born August 3, 1942, in Moline, IL, she was the daughter of the late Max and Adeline (Popp) Scharer. Judy was a graduate of Rock Island Senior High School where she participated in a number of girl’s sports, and later received her Associate’s degree from Joliet Junior College. She enjoyed a long career with Stepan Company as a purchasing agent.
Since her early childhood, Judy always enjoyed being outdoors. Among her favorite memories were playing ball with her Dad and two oldest brothers, riding bikes, jumping rope, and roller skating. As an adult, around the age of 40, she learned to snow ski and Alpine skiing became her favorite passion. Sewing and baking were also other activities she enjoyed.
Judy was a member of the Joliet Ski Club, Hustler’s Ski Club, and the Chicago Metropolitan Ski Council, serving on the Boards of all three organizations. She found all the activities with these groups fun and rewarding.
Judy spoke frequently that she was most proud of raising three wonderful children and loved having two dear granddaughters. Her family was the most important thing in her life. She will be remembered for having a heart of gold and compassion for aeveryone she met.
Judy is survived by her loving sons, Gregory Turner of Fitchburg, WI, and Gary (Laura) Turner of Naperville; two granddaughters; her brother, Ronald Scharer; her sister, Susan (the late Edward) Johnson of Rock Island; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved daughter, Rhonda L. Turner (2014); and three brothers, Harvey, Marlin and Russell Scharer.
Visitation for Judy Turner will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 2:00 p.m., until the time of services at 4:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Cremation rites will be accorded following services, and interment will be in Greenview Cemetery in East Moline, IL, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to Lightways Hospital and Serious Illness Care (www.lightways.org) would be appreciated.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you may leave an online condolence or share a favorite memory.
