Judy Morrow Diehl

“A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met”

Judy Morrow Diehl of Roscoe, Illinois passed away of lung cancer on Friday, November 24, 2023, in her home, surrounded by her loving daughters. Judy was a spirited woman and would light up a room with laughter and a quip. She was born the youngest child of four to Ione and James Morrow on August 22, 1940. Growing up in Denison, Iowa brought her fond memories and she returned regularly to visit family or attend high school reunions. While attending the University of South Dakota she joined the Alpha Phi sorority and fell in love with the sisterhood. She met the love of her life, Michael B. Diehl, a short while later in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They were married December 29, 1963, then she joined him in Rockford, Illinois to start a new life together.

Judy loved being part of a community with her vibrant energy. Working over thirty years at the Rockford Clinic, she made lifelong friends who gathered outside of work to play bridge and socialize. She followed her quest for learning and passion for nature and became a Master Gardner with the University of Illinois Extension sharing her knowledge and love of nature with others. She was a member of Second First Church where she rang handbells, taught Sunday school, built a community garden, and was known as “Mom” to many younger members. She served as a District Governor for the Alpha Phi sorority at Northern Illinois University and volunteered with her sisterhood in the Rockford area. She was a member of the Venetian Club where she played bocce with friends, family, and friends that became family. She loved attending and supporting Rock Valley College Starlight Theatre’s musicals since their inception.

Judy had a thirst for fun and adventure. She enjoyed road trips, camping, cross-country train trips, and summer golf outings with the gals. She was an avid Scrabble player with standing game dates with friends and anyone who dared to challenge her. One never had to guess her favorite football team and you didn’t dare interrupt her when the game was on. She would often burst into song at the utter of a word, randomly share unique idioms, and offer a smile or hug to whomever she met.

Judy is survived by daughters, Katherine (Jeremy) Wilson of Roscoe and Karolynne Nichols of Portland, OR; granddaughter, Olivia Wilson; sister, Marilyn Moffitt of Gresham, OR; and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents, two siblings, and husband. For those that knew Judy and want to pull up a stool to share a story and a laugh, a Celebration of Life will be held at 5pm on Friday, December 15, 2023, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars at 11385 2nd St, Roscoe, Illinois 61073. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice. Her daughters recommend Northern Illinois Hospice who brought comfort and support to the family over the last couple of months.