Ending a long battle with Dementia, Judy Lee (Komes) Runge passed away at her home on Friday, August 13, surrounded by her loving family. She was 78. Judy was born on November 11, 1942, in Aurora, IL to Earl and Louise (Baumann) Komes. She was united in marriage to Fred Runge at Holy Cross Church, Batavia, Illinois, on a beautiful, 70-degree Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1963.
Judy supported her children and grandchildren in their many sports and activities, with Fred by her side. She spent countless years in the O'Donnell, Simmons, East Aurora High School, and Aurora Central PTAs, and volunteered with the Girl and Boy Scouts. She was a board member for the Aurora Housing Authority and a founding member of the Northeast Neighbors group. Judy was a faithful member and volunteer at Annunciation Church for 57 years.
For nearly 40 years, Judy made popcorn balls for Halloween, making upwards of 800 the last few years. Several years ago, when she was no longer able to make them herself, her family gathered, while Judy supervised, to give it a try. She was also famous for her cheesy potatoes (purposely leaving an ingredient off the recipe card to ensure hers were always the best), Rice Krispy treats (with extra marshmallow, of course), macaroni salad, and other family favorites that no one else can quite duplicate.
Above all, Judy was a proud and loving Grandma and Great-Grandma. She loved her babies "a bushel and a peck" and nothing brought her more joy than holding and rocking a baby. She loved playing board games and cards with the grandkids. She might let a kid win at checkers, but all bets were off with Monopoly and Canasta!
Judy is survived by Fred, her husband of 57 years; her four favorite children: Janet (Ron) Lindstrom and their children Elizabeth Lindstrom, Allyson (Nathan) Beck and Stefanie (Rolando) Delgado; Bob (Karla) and their children Tiffany (Zach) Martin, Brenna (Josh) Johnson, and Tyler; Mike (Heather R.) and their children Allyson Bolden (Steven Pozeg), Sydney and Mikayla; and Pete (Heather A.) and their children Andrea (Sean) Riordan and Nick. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Liam and Bennett Beck, Annie and Shane Martin, Nora and Lucy Johnson, Kendall Bolden, Carson and Penelope Pozeg, and Ava and Declan Riordan.



Judy was a loving sister to Dave (Sandra) Komes, Don (Sheree) Komes, Jane Wood, Doug Komes, and sister-in-law to Linda Babcock, and a loving aunt, cousin, and niece. She will be dearly missed by her best friend of over 60 years, Marilyn Vanthournout, as well as many other close friends and neighbors. She also had many "adopted" kids over the years, many of them spending more time at her house than their own.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Louise Komes, father- and mother-in-law, Fred and Louise Runge, and sister, Jane Wood.
Judy's family wishes to thank her care team from Transitions Hospice, especially Denise, and her personal caregivers, Arielle, Sarah, Monica, Mirsa and Maggie. The kindness and compassion shown by all these people will never be forgotten.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 9:30 AM from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY to Annunciation Church at 10:00 AM. Fr. Patrick Gilmeyer, O.S.B. will officiate with interment at Marywood Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 17, 2021 from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 North Lake Street, Aurora, Illinois 60506. (630) 631-5500.
Please visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may sign the guest book or leave condolences for Judy's family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Transitions Hospice (1551 Bond Street, #143, Naperville, IL 60563) or Alzheimer's Association (PO Box 12226, Syracuse, NY 13218).