Judith E Graves

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.

Surviving are her daughter, Amber (Derek) Hiland, and grandson, Tyler Hiland, of Sycamore, two sisters, Sharon Tones of Macomb and Delores Keith of St. Louis, Missouri, two nieces, Michelle Laktas of Venice, Florida, and Susan Keith of St. Louis, Missouri, and one nephew, Mike Tones, of Macomb. Several great-nieces and nephews also survived her. Stan Hopping, her loving partner of over 35 years, also survives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Lennie, her grandson, Carter Hiland, one nephew, Ted Keith, two brothers-in-law, Delbert Tones and Teddy Keith, and her ex-husband.

Visitation will be held at Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home on from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Thursday February 26, 2026. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Friday February 27, 2026 at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 120 N. McArthur St., Macomb, Rev. Kelly Ingersoll will officiate. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First Christian Church, the McDonough County Humane Society, or the Hydrocephalus Association.

Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.com.