Judith Kay Antill

Judith Kay Antill

Coralville

Judith Kay Antill, 80, of Coralville, Iowa, gracefully transitioned to the realm beyond on Aug. 23, 2023, at her home, surrounded by the gentle embrace of magic.

A joyous gathering to honor Judith’s remarkable life will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service in Iowa City. During this time of remembrance, a magical sharing of tales will unfold at 5:30 p.m.

In lieu of traditional offerings, let your heart guide you to direct memorials to the cherished family of Judith Antill, care of Lisa Antill.

Born amidst the stars on April 1, 1943, in Chicago, Ill., Judith was a daughter of Roy and Penny (Mildred Robertson) Shaffer. Raised under the guidance of both earthly and ethereal grandparents, she bloomed into her destiny. Her educational journey carried her through high school and two years at Creighton in Omaha, Neb.

Joined in the threads of destiny, Judith united with her beloved James “Jim” Antill in Kirkwood, Mo., on Sept. 24, 1964. Together, they wove a tapestry of love, nurturing four children, Lisa, Jenny, Sean and Scott, with a devotion that transcended time itself. In 1975, their family settled in Coralville, Iowa, where Judith’s luminous spirit illuminated the entire neighborhood.

Guided by the whispers of the universe, Judith embarked on various paths as an enchanting housewife, a caregiver for countless children in the 70s and 80s, a den mother for young Cubs Scouts, a guide for courageous Girl Scouts. However, her most spellbinding roles included that of an entertainer, a storyteller who could weave dreams into reality, and even the Jessica Claus, who spread joy beside Santa himself.

Amidst the pages of her life story, a spellbinding chapter unfolded at the Bristol Renaissance Faire. There, Judith’s magic found its zenith as she birthed and nurtured Kid’s Kingdom, and in harmony with her avian allies, she soared alongside John Karger, The Royal Falconer. A maestro of mentorship, she cultivated friendships that danced like fireflies and kept the light of magic aglow within her.

Beyond her earthly adventures, Judith’s heart tended to her garden of flowers, children and wanderers who graced her threshold. In the alchemy of her kitchen, she transmuted ingredients into feasts. She reveled in the enchantment of knitting, crossword puzzles and the dance of holidays. A sip of tea or coffee often marked the beginning of her daily symphonies — phone calls that traversed the realms to reach her children, friends and kindred spirits.

A sorceress of the community, Judith’s energies wove through the Coralville Bi-Centennial, inspiring generations to rise, let their voices resound, and partake in the grand tapestry of democracy.

Within the embrace of her home’s hearth, Judith’s heart sang its most melodious tune. Her abode was a sanctuary where laughter echoed, and culinary enchantments unfolded. The Coralville public library bore witness to her literary explorations and her stories painted colors across the canvas of Coralville Central Elementary, where she became the revered Grandma J.

Survived by five cherished children, Katy Lieske (Rob), Lisa Antill (Randy Garrett), Jennifer (Randy) Wessling, Sean Antill and Scott (Heather) Antill; Judith’s legacy extends to her extraordinary grandchildren, Kirsten (Marian) Antill, Andrew Antill, Missy Pierce, Benjamin Sedlacek, Eric Sedlacek, Hailey Antill, Hayley Steele, Seth Antill, Alison Antill, Logan Antill, Rebecca (Becca) Antill Wessling, Rachael Nocilo and Kyle.

Among the stars of her constellation, her siblings, Patricia (Steve) Anderson, Mary (Scott) Pelke and Robert (Cindy) Shaffer; and she is surrounded by an expanse of extended family and kindred spirits.

As she steps into the mysteries of the cosmos, Judith is welcomed by her parents and her beloved Jim, who departed in 2012.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.lensingfuneral.com.