Julia Jean “Judy” Kesler Magruder, 89, of Staunton, Indiana passed away on Monday, August 23, 2021, at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana with her family by her side. She was born in Staunton, IN on February 4, 1932, the daughter of Perry Morris and Ona (Williams) Morris.
She is preceded in death by her parents, and her first husband; William Kesler.
Survivors include her husband; Harlan Magruder of Staunton, IN, sons; Bill Kesler (Connie) of Brazil, Terry (Lu Lu) of Winchester, CA, granddaughter, Natasha Padgett, great-grandson; Nathan Kesler.
Judy attended First Christian Church in Staunton, IN. She was always known for her infectious laughter and sparkling personality. Judy operated Judy’s Cut & Curl in Staunton, IN for 33 years, starting her day at 5 A.M. and ending at 6 P.M., many days without even a break for lunch. Judy was Secretary of the town of Staunton, IN and she prided herself as being Precinct Committee Chairman for Democratic Party of Posey Township. She was also a member of the Eastern Star. Judy and her husband Bill were instrumental in establishing the fire department in Staunton, IN. Judy campaigned and sent petitions to the Government to fund and establish what is currently known as Posey Township Volunteer Fire Department.
Judy began dancing at the age of 4 years old and loved to talk about her lifelong love for dance. Judy and her first husband Bill danced from the time they met until the time he passed away and even took up ballroom dancing. Several years after Bill passed away Judy decided to take square dancing classes. That’s where she met her second husband Harlan and fell in love in 1995. They spent the next 23 years dancing and traveling in their motorhome and participated in square dances across the United States.
If Judy were here today, she would say to each of you “I Hope You Dance!”
Visitation will be held at Lawson Miller Chapel, 172 East National Ave on Saturday, August 28, 2021, from 10:00 A.M.- 11:00 A.M. Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Saturday at Lawson Miller Chapel.
Burial will follow at Clearview Cemetery.
