Judy Ann Abbott

Judy Ann (Hall) Abbott, 79, of Danville, woke up to her Lord at 1:55 a.m., May 20, 2013. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family. Born November 17, 1933 to Dan and Mary (Barker) Hall, Judy attended Danville and Bismarck schools, graduating in 1951 from Danville High School. Judy was a cheerleader, majorette and involved in various clubs at both high schools. She married Bill Preston July 1951 with whom she had three children. On November 25, 1988, she married, Jay Abbott. He survives and will miss her dearly. Judy worked for GE/Valmont Electric for 26 years, starting as a temporary employee and retiring as a customer service manager. She was first female manager in the history of the company. She was on the GE Employee Community Fund Board and GE Retiree Board. She received many awards and letters of achievement throughout her years with the company. She was lovingly involved throughout the Danville community as a member, volunteer, or in a leadership role of the following organizations: PTA, Girl Scouts, YWCA, Executive Club, Valmont Women's Club, Danville Garden Club and Lakeview Medical Center. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Judy loved spending time with her family, especially her adoring grandchildren and being "G.G." to her great grandchildren. Nothing made her happier than being a part of her family's lives, listening intently during personal conversations and phone calls, soaking in every detail. Those conversations will be sorely missed. Judy was in awe of nature, whether camping or watching the birds flitting around the trees outside her kitchen windows. A gentle falling snow blanketing her yard were moments she treasured. She enjoyed playing cards in her gin club, traveling and her trips south with the "Tennessee Pearls." She loved sports, from the Bulls to the Illini to watching her grandkids and friends' grandkids compete in sporting events. Her caring heart, quick wit and compassionate soul will always be cherished by her son Mike (Lori) Preston of Hardy, Va.; daughters Patti (Dan) Rull of Danville and Pam (Bill) Jones of Dunedin, Fla.; stepson Jay Paul Abbott of Lake Charles, La.; grandchildren Jon-Michael (Amanda) Rull, Sarah (Joe) Grider, Alexandria Frank, Nick Frank, Jessica (Justin) Johnston, Amanda (Ryan) Morse, Travis Abbott, Jacob Fite and Emily Fite; eight great grandchildren; siblings Kathy Worthen, Dan Hall and Jamie Hall and many other family members and dear friends. Preceding her in death were her parents and stepmother Beverly Hall. A Celebration of Judy's Life will be held on Friday, May 24, 2013 at 1:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home in Danville with Pastor Michael Heidle officiating. A visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 PM on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be made to the Danville YWCA Women's Shelter. Please join Judy's family in sharing photos, videos and memories of her through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com