Judith C. Rodts

Judith C. Rodts, 79, formerly of Coal Valley, Illinois, passed away Thursday, October 16, 2025 in Ocoee, Florida.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 24, 2025 at Trimble Funeral Home, Coal Valley, with burial in Coal Valley Cemetery. Visitation is 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thursday October 23, also at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Ronald McDonald House, Iowa City. In honor of Judy’s favorite color, the family asks that funeral attire include light blue.

Judith “Judy” Carroll Martens was born September 1, 1946, in Davenport, Iowa the daughter of Lloyd and Annabelle (Campbell) Martens. She was a 1964 graduate of Davenport Central, and also Stewart’s Beauty College. She married the love of her life, Franklin Dean “Roter” Rodts, on October 1, 1966, in Davenport. They welcomed a son, Justin in 1975, and adopted Margaret (Maggie) in 1988.

Mom was a member of Friends Forever ladies group, making life-long friendships and memories spanning nearly 50 years. Over the years, the monthly meetings not only included crafts and outings, but also charitable causes for local families in need. Husbands and children came together during the fall bonfire and became friends with the other’s families, and they held each other through moments of grief, and laughed together through joyous moments such as adoptions and weddings.

Judy, together with Frank, was also instrumental in founding the first Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City. During their toughest moments of caring for their own child with cancer, they opened their hearts to helping the Ronald McDonald House open for other families going through the long and stressful days of children receiving treatment at the children’s hospital.

Judy worked for Margaret’s salon during the early years of marriage and then worked at Younker’s as a Fine Jewelry Associate. Upon retirement, she found joy in getting together at the Class of ’64 breakfast meetings, Card Club and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, Margaret (Richard) Lopez, of Ocoee, FL; grandchildren, Sierra (Joshua Brooks) Lopez of St. Michael, Minnesota, Nile Lopez and Carver Lopez, both of Ocoee; sister, Gaycha Mayhew of Davenport, Iowa; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband and son, Justin.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.