Judith Helen Heston, 89, of Annawan, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at her home in Annawan, IL, leaving a legacy of love and devotion to her family. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026 at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Atkinson Chapel. Reverend Terry Lancaster will officiate. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be directed to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) and the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org). Online condolences may be left at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com.
Born on September 6, 1936, in Henry, Illinois, she was the beloved daughter of George and Francis (Barth) Schmitt. Judith graduated from Mineral High School in 1954.
On August 20, 1960, she married Eugene Heston, the love of her life, with whom she shared a cherished union until his passing on December 10, 2004.
Judy found great joy in the simple beauties of life. She delighted in tending her flowers and garden, watching and feeding the birds—particularly her beloved cardinals—and remained a devoted Chicago Cubs fan through every season.
Above all, Judy treasured her family. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always looking forward to their events and taking immense pride in their accomplishments. Through her warmth and presence, she created countless cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of those she loved.
Judy’s gentle spirit and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Neil (Cheri) Heston of Mineral, Mark (Dana Ulrich) Heston of Kiln, MS, and Brian (Jodie Barton) Heston of Annawan; grandchildren, Brandon (Casey) Heston, Cody Heston, Kayla (Cole Buratt) Heston, Ryan Heston, and Daniel Heston; great-grandchildren, Hunter Heston, Gunner Heston, Beau Heston, Emmy Heston, Caroline Cutrer, Elizabeth Cutrer, and Chloe Buratt; siblings, Margaret Apple of Dixon, Mary Swan of Tampico, Daniel (Martha) Schmitt of Omaha, NE, and Mark (Liz) Schmitt of Annawan.
Judith was preceded in death by her parents, George and Francis Schmitt; her beloved husband, Eugene Heston; sister, Katherine Howell; brother, George Schmitt; brothers-in-law, Denny Howell, Louie Apple, Rick Amy, Dick Johnson, Robert Heston, and William Swan; sisters-in-law, Frances Amy, Wilma Heston, Desyl Johnson, and Helen Heston; nieces, Cheryl Apple and Mironda Heston; and nephews, infant Craig Heston, Jerry Schmitt, and Jack Apple.