81, of Macomb
Judith Elaine (Curless) Graves, 81, of Macomb, Illinois, went to live with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 21, 2026. She was born on November 9, 1944, in Macomb to Russell B. and Maxine I. (Hardisty) Curless. She married Larry A. Graves on July 18, 1970. They were blessed with two children, Lennie and Amber. Judy and Larry later divorced.
Judy lived all her life in McDonough County. She graduated from Northwestern High School in 1962 and from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1966. She taught in the Macomb Unit 185 School District for 35 years. After her retirement, she continued tutoring and substitute teaching.
Judy loved the Lord and her church. She was a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ for 56 years, serving on many committees and as a deacon. She especially enjoyed assisting with bereavement dinners and maintaining the church food pantry.
Judy was also a member of the McDonough County Retired Teachers Association, the Western Illinois Water Gardening Club, and the Humane Society of McDonough County. She also volunteered at McDonough District Hospital for many years.
