Judi Russian

Judith Judi Ann Russian, 59, of Tilton passed away at 8:08 p.m. Thursday, December 22, 2005 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Judi was born on March 31, 1946 in Danville, the daughter of Wilbur Anderson and Amelia Jane (Jenkins) Riggs. She married Richard Louis Russian on February 13, 1971 at St. Marys Catholic Church in Westville. He survives. She is also survived by her one son-Ryan Louis Russian of Danville; one daughter- Amy Suzanne Russian of Danville; one sister Elizabeth Betty (Bill) Schuring of Danville; one mother-in-law- Blanche Russian of Westville; one brother-in-law- John (Barbara) Russian of Danville; one niece Anne (Andy) Forlandsaas of Danville; two nephews- Jimmy Russian and Bill Schuring Jr. both of Danville; several very special friends; and two very special dogs Rocky and Chloe. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents and her father-in-law. Judi was a graduate of Danville High School. After high school she attended St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in Danville. She completed her bachelors degree with Danvilles Lakeview College of Nursing in 1991. She completed her Master of Science with a major in nursing and a focus and certificate in gerontology from Northern Illinois University. While a student at NIU, she was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nurses. Judi graduated Summa cum Laude from her bachelors and master degree programs. She later graduated from Indiana State University with a PHD in nursing. Judi taught at Lakeview College of Nursing for almost 10 years. She had over 30 years of nursing experience. Judi was also a member of several professional organizations including: the American Nurses Association, District 15 Illinois Nurses Association and the National Gerontological Nurses Association. She also belongs to the Northern Illinois University Alumni Association, Lakeview College of Nursing Alumni, St. Elizabeths School of Nursing Alumni, as well as the Faith in Action Advisory Board. She was a member of the Tilton Historical Society and also listed in the 2001-2002 United Whos Who Registry of executives and professionals. Judi was a devoted Christian and spent her time as a member of the United Church of Tilton where she was a choir deaconess and a past deaconate member of the church. She loved to sing. Judi loved her flowers in her yard, her dogs, walking when she was able to, and she also loved to travel. Judi loved her family and her friends. She was always there for her family through the good and the bad. She always spent her time helping other people. Judi overcame a lot of health problems through her life to earn her various degrees. That devotion made her an inspiration to many people in her life. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her. A celebration of the life of Judith Judi Ann Russian will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2005 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, with Pastor Anita Livengood officiating. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park. Memorials may be made in Judis name to the donors choice.