- Date Of Birth: May 22, 1939
- Date Of Death: May 5, 2015
- State: Illinois
Judy entered this world on May 22, 1939 at Roann, Indiana. She arrived in her heavenly home on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 from Galesburg, Illinois at the age of 75 after an abrupt battle with pancreatic cancer. Her life exhibited strong faith and tender love from Jesus Christ, her Savior and Lord.
After graduating from Indiana Wesleyan University in Education Judith Haynes became Mrs. Leigh Nygard on August 3, 1962. They believe that God brought them together and kept them in a faithful union for over 52 years. In their new home in Rockford, Illinois she entered her dual careers of pastor’s wife and public school teacher. The couple then ventured to the state of Washington where they ministered in churches until 1981. After one sabbatical year in her home town of Roann, they moved to Galesburg, Illinois in 1982. Judy became a Language Arts teacher, and head of her department, at Lombard Junior High School. After 20 years there as a highly respected educator she retired in 2002.
The Lord blessed this couple with three vibrant sons: Nathan Leigh (Roxanne) of Watford City, ND; Mark Franklin (Kim) of Puyallup, WA; and James Oscar (Stephanie) of Tampa, FL. From this generation has come 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A highlight of Judy’s life was a total family cruise in celebration of her 50th wedding anniversary with Leigh. O how those grandchildren thrilled her heart. All the above survive including her brother, Arthur Haynes, and her sister, Betty Creek. She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Eva Haynes and her brother, John Haynes.
Judy and Leigh travelled to all 50 U. S. states and twelve foreign countries including Israel, Norway, England and Russia. Every year they took at least one major vacation and one educational convention. They so enjoyed staying at their farm cottage on the North Dakota prairie, listening to the coyotes howl and watching the oil wells pump. Of course, relating to family and friends across the country was a high priority. Her other hobbies included reading historical and romance novels, playing table games, keeping up with politics, and visiting with friends while volunteering at the Galesburg Rescue Mission. Keeping a fun and faith- filled life with Leigh was a joyous mission “trip” for her.She was his loyal lover, a wonderful cook, a fabulous house-keeper.
Judy was a person of strong character, high morals and deep love. Daily she gave quality time to her Lord in Bible study and prayer–she seemed concerned for everyone. Her beautiful person, her warm smile, her joyous countenance made her attractive to many others. She was a very giving person. She knew how to suffer with grace. We will always cherish her and always miss her.
