Judy Koontz

Judy Koontz, 81, of Smithboro, Illinois, passed away on January 19, 2026, at HSHS St.  John’s Hospital, Springfield, IL, surrounded by loving family.

Judy was born February 24, 1944, in Highland, IL, the daughter of Thomas R. and Francis L. (Ellsworth) Shultz. On June 27, 1964, she married the love of her life, Thomas A. Koontz, in her parent’s front yard. Prior to his passing on February 7, 2013, they were happily married for over 48 years.

Some knew her from the Holy Family Health Center, formerly known as the McCracken-Dawdy Family Practice Center, in Greenville, where she worked for many years. Most knew her as a homemaker, a mother, a wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, or friend.

Being very family-oriented, she enjoyed spending time with them, going on vacation with her nieces, and taking rides with her best friend, Mary. She was an avid quilter and sewer and had made each of her four grandchildren and six great grandchildren their very own quilts.

She loved animals, with a special fondness for cats. She had been known to feed the whole cat neighborhood or just a few hungry ones hanging around.

Judy will be dearly missed by her family, extended family, and her friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; sons, Jeffrey T. Koontz and twins, Donald & Ronald Koontz, at birth; infant brother, Thomas G.J. Shultz; sisters, Betty Rainey, Jane Ellsworth, Patsy Goodin, and Ellen Tedrick.

Surviving Judy are her son, Keith Koontz, Smithboro, IL; daughter in law, Tina Koontz, Smithboro, IL; grandchildren, Robert (Lacey) Koontz, Mulberry Grove, IL, Tyler (Tai) Koontz of Champaign, IL, Josie (Blake) Russwinkel, Eldon, MO, Austin (Patricia) Koontz, Smithboro, IL; great grandchildren, Mia, Ben, Allison, Andy, Sophia, Haven; and brother, Robert Shultz of Greenville, IL.

A private burial will be held at Mulberry Grove Cemetery.

The family will host a public celebration of life, at the Greenville VFW, Post 1377, 2043 S 4^th St., Greenville, IL 62246, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 11:30 am.

The family asks that donations be given in lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, in memory of Judy, as she was an animal lover. Memorials may be given at the Celebration of Life and/or mailed to the Bond County Humane Society, 2510 S. Elm St., Greenville, IL 62246.

The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Home in Greenville with the arrangements.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.