Judie Elenbaas, age 76, a longtime resident of Wheaton, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, March 27, 2017.  She was born April 15, 1940 in Grand Haven, Michigan to John "Jack" and Flora Thoma.

She and her future husband, Ronald Elenbaas, started dating in 1954 at age 14.  They graduated together from Grand Haven High School in 1958 and from Wheaton College in 1962, before being married on June 23, 1963.  They spent many treasured years together, celebrating over 53 years of marriage.

Judie taught Chemistry at Wheaton High School for a year prior to starting her family. Later, she returned to teaching at various local schools, spending her last 22 years at Naperville North High School as a Physics teacher. In retirement, she taught college prep courses and was a part-time teacher/tutor at Behavioral Health Services-Central DuPage Hospital.

Judie had a great love for volunteering.  She was a lifetime Girl Scout, a Cub Scout Den Mom, a certified Red Cross Instructor, and was active with AWANA, Pioneer Clubs, and the PTA.  Known as Tobie, she served as director of Cherith Camps in Wisconsin and Michigan. She also was a child advocate through CASA in DuPage County.

Judie actively lived out her Christian faith.  As a member of Wheaton Bible Church she directed vacation bible schools, was a cook for several Project Serve mission trips, traveled to Romania and Thailand with Go Teams, and led women's Bible Studies.  Most recently she enjoyed participating in a Bible study through Immanuel Presbyterian Church.

Family was at the center of her life.  She was happiest cooking family dinners, baking cookies, and being involved in her children's and grandchildren's activities.  She took joy in returning to Grand Haven, especially during the annual Coast Guard Festival.  She also loved to read, do puzzles, play board games, and garden.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald Elenbaas; four children, John (Cheryl) Elenbaas of Aurora, Darcie (Brad) Bonga of Wheaton, Wendy Payne of Wheaton, and Christy (John) Phanthavong of Wheaton; twelve grandchildren, Jory, Emily, Josh, Heather, Tanner, Cassie, Jamie, Frances, Kate, Kyla, Jacqueline, and Andrew; one great-grandson, Colten; her sister, Jane Poort of Grand Haven, MI; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents and one grandson, Noah.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 31, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, where a funeral will be held on Saturday, April 1, at 2 p.m.  Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery in Wheaton, Illinois.

In recognition of the wonderful ophthalmological care Judie received from Dr. Charles Bouchard and other staff at Loyola Medicine, memorial gifts may be made at loyolamedicine.org/giving-loyola . Scroll down and select Make A Gift, direct your gift to "other" and reference Dr. Bouchard/Judie Elenbaas.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com . For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.