Judith (Denekas) Russo

Judith Russo, 87, of Elkhart, passed away Wednesday September 13, 2023 at Brentwood Assisted Living Center, Elkhart. She was born on March 24, 1936 in Rockford, Illinois to Alvin and Irma Denekas.

Judy graduated from Elkhart High School in 1954. She loved raising her family and she especially loved her grandchildren. She was very outgoing and was a social butterfly. She never met a stranger. She enjoyed the sweeter things in life, and she always brought sweets to share with her grandchildren, which she cherished dearly.  Judy’s love for sweets and her love for the grandchildren. She sold Avon and collected angels. In her spare time, she enjoyed scenic drives, feeding the ducks and dancing. She will be sadly missed.

Judy is survived by her children Anthony Russo of Elkhart, IN., John Russo of Bristol, IN., and Maria (Michael) Russo Pendley, of Elkhart, IN; her grandchildren Eric (Michelle) Pendley, Adam (Jennifer) Pendley, Ryan (Chelsea) Russo, Aaron Russo, Adria Russo and Chase (Ann) Healey; great-grandchildren Hailey, Olivia, Cole, Bentley, Greyson, Isabella, Aria and Alyna and her sister Dolores “Dolly” Schrader of PA. Judy was preceded in death by her parents Alvin and Irma Denekas, her son Joseph Russo, her companion H. David Wagner and the father of her children Anthony B. Russo.

Visitation will be held from 1-3 pm on Sunday, September 24. 2023 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 where a memorial service will be held at 3 pm. Judy’s grandson, Pastor Eric Pendley will officiate. She will be laid to rest next to her companion and best friend of over 40 years, H. David Wagner at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart, IN. Online condolences may be made to her family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com . Memorial donations may be made to Traditions Health Hospice, 3555 Park Place West, # 100, Mishawaka, IN 46545 www.traditionshealth.com