Judy L. Tuff

     Judy Tuff – a life well-lived

     As was her nature, Judy Lea Tuff made a quiet exit from this world, May 28, 2021, in Naples, FL.

     Born to Casey & Delores (Jobe) DeKramer on July 16, 1937, Judy was the youngest of seven siblings. Her father was a newspaper man so it was perhaps destined that she would marry a newspaper man, Bob Tuff, on Nov. 22, 1954, in Bemidji, MN.

     In 1965, Bob and Judy settled their family of five children in Blackduck, MN, where they owned and published the Blackduck American. In addition to the newspaper, they also operated the Blackduck Bakery & Café and Brookside Nursery & Greenhouse, so Judy’s life was filled with raising kids, news copy, bookkeeping, and serving her church and community.

     In 1980, they moved to Blue Earth, MN, where they published several news publications. They were joined by sons Roy and Russell, and the business became Tuff Publications. In 1988, the family sold its holdings in Minnesota and all three families moved to the Naples area, where they published the Everglades Echo, Shopper’s Special, Senior Times, and Golden Gate Gazette. Bob and Judy lived in Everglades City until Bob’s death in 1993; after which she moved to the Naples area.

     No matter where God planted her, Judy thrived and was loved by many. Her amazing faith in God’s abundant goodness brought her through many life challenges and her spirituality was a gift she shared freely. She was an active member of Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church, where she served as Member Ministry Coordinator prior to her retirement. She also served as a hospice volunteer and child advocate with guardian ad litem.

     Judy loved her daily devotions, yoga class, meditation, a good massage, Saturday breakfast, centering prayer, church concerts, Facetime, traveling, dinner with friends, and most especially her family, every one of whom she was fiercely proud. As her days with us grew shorter, she often referred to her life as a puzzle, with some pieces falling in place and others needing to be figured out. With the last piece in place, she will be remembered always and forever loved.

     She is survived by her daughter Sheila and son-in-law Bob Rutt, daughter Sandra and son-in-law Leonard Krumholz, son Russell and daughter-in-law Kaydee; son Roy and daughter-in-law Maria, son Ralph and daughter-in-law Kathy; 11 amazing grandchildren and 12 of the most beautiful great-grandchildren in the world.

     A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 31, at Trinity-by-the-Cove. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Archangel Fund at Trinity By The Cove or the Church of the Good Shepherd Memorial Fund, Punta Gorda.