BRODHEAD – Judy Ainsworth-Gilmore, 83, was called home to be with Jesus on Dec. 12, 2021. Judy was born on Oct. 25, 1938, in Topeka, KS to Bertha and James Stillie. Judy grew up primarily in Topeka, but spent part of her childhood in Vallejo, CA. She treasured her time in Vallejo and would fondly relate memories of climbing the hills behind her home. As a little girl, Judy took part in a variety of activities including gymnastics and tap dance. Later in life, as a mother, she would delight her children with mini dance performances after retrieving her old tap shoes from the cedar chest. Judy graduated from Topeka High School in 1956 then attended Moody Bible Institute in Omaha, NE. In 1958 she married Air Force Serviceman David Ainsworth. Judy and David had two children in Topeka, Gary and John, and later added Wendy and Daniel after moving to Rockford, IL. Judy later returned to her beloved CA where she met Pat Gilmore in Ventura, CA. They married in 1999 and moved to Brodhead, WI to be closer to her family.
Judy was a creative and talented mother and was known to whip together elaborate costumes for school plays at the last minute. She was dedicated to helping her children learn and grow and read books to them from a young age and took them to the library regularly. She was also an excellent cook, and her homemade soups, pies and other specialties created warm and comforting meals for her family. Judy was passionate about sharing her love for Christ and helping at church, especially with children’s activities. She was a dedicated Sunday school teacher and vacation bible schoolteacher for many years and also assisted with the children’s choir. She was known to stay up late into the night creating fun activities for her church kids. She was also a member of the Christian Women’s Club and enjoyed attending church events.
Judy performed volunteer work at the Rock County Historical Society in Janesville, WI, where as a docent, she led tours of the Tallman House and assisted with other activities. Judy loved traveling and especially enjoyed being at the beach. Some of the areas Judy enjoyed visiting were the Virgin Islands, Italy, Hawaii, Florida, and California. Her favorite times were spent with her family, and she never forgot a birthday or other special event! She cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and showered them with love and attention. She also enjoyed spending time with her friends and her senior group. Her warm smile and enthusiasm for life meant she never lacked for companionship. Those close to her often enjoyed her infectious sense of humor. Judy enjoyed photography, decorating, stamping and creating homemade cards for family and friends and bargain hunting at antique and thrift stores. She also enjoyed gardening and delighted in watching the birds’ comings and goings on her patio.
Judy is survived by her children: Gary (Suzanne) Ainsworth, Rockford, IL, John (Lori) Ainsworth, Edgerton, WI, Daniel Ainsworth, Coconut Creek, FL and Wendy Ainsworth, Monterey, CA; grandchildren: Austin Burgener, Joshua (Adrienne) Ainsworth, Kory Ainsworth, Camila Dias, Nicholas Burgener, Peter Burgener, Mitchell Reis, Nicholas (Desiree) Dawson, Ross (Brittany) Laver, and Anna (Joe) Laver; great grandchildren Cameron, Colin, Dani, Pearl, Fox, Meadow, Theo and Clara; brothers Rick (Bonnie) Stillie, David (Sharon) Stillie, Steve (Susan) Stillie, special friend John McClain and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Judy was proceeded in death by her parents, brother James (Irene) Stillie, husbands David Ainsworth and Pat Gilmore and will be missed by all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the United Methodist Church of Brodhead Children's programs or to Mercy Health Hospice Care.
A celebration of life will be held at the DL Newcomer Funeral Home in Brodhead on Saturday, December 18, 2021at 12:00 PM. A visitation will also be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of services.
www.dlnewcomerfuneralhome.com
