Judith "Judy" Joan Kuehl, 78, of Grinnell, died suddenly on Friday, March 20, 2015, at her home in the Mayflower Community. A Celebration of Life service was held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2015, at the United Church of Christ-Congregational in Grinnell with Rev. Cameron Barr, pastor of the church, officiating. Should friends desire, memorials may be directed to Pilgrim Height Camp and Retreat Center or to the Mayflower Human Needs Endowment Fund and sent in care of the Smith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112. Another way to honor Judy's giving spirit is to do a loving act of kindness, make someone laugh, send a card, give a hug or say "I love you" to a special friend in her memory. Judy was born on Thursday, June 4, 1936, in Evansville, Indiana to Rev. Robert and Bertha (Riepl) Groves. She was the oldest of three children with two younger brothers, Robert and Danny Groves. While attending Elmhurst College in Illinois, she met Lyle Kuehl, "the man she was going to marry." Their journey together began at a restaurant when their eyes met from across the room, and the rest was history. At 9:50 p.m. on the library steps, Lyle proposed to Judy. In 1958, she eventually graduated from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois with a degree in Physical Therapy. On March 21, 1959, Judy and Lyle were married in Louisville, Kentucky. The couple was married for 56 years and are the parents of four children, Scott, Carla, Donna and Becky. They lived in St. Louis, Missouri as well as Peterson, Hiawatha and Creston, Iowa. Possessing a true servant's heart, Judy faithfully cared for her family and friends. As the heart of the Kuehl family, Judy shaped their spirituality with her deep Christian faith. She had a real zest for life and loved to read, swim, garden, cook, make music and play games, especially with her grandchildren. In addition to marriage and motherhood, Judy's professional career encompassed a lifelong devotion to hospitals in Louisville, St. Louis, Creston and Corning. Judy modeled genuine love and sincere compassion, sharing this view of life to everyone around her. She completed her career in 1996. After retirement, the couple moved to their home in the Mayflower Community in Grinnell, Iowa. The couple reunited with old friends and met many new friends as well. She loved the water aerobics class with the Pfitsch's Fish group, playing cards with friends and gathering socially at Saints Rest Coffee House. Judy always shared her time and talents with the church and community, helping with Mayflower projects and hosting international students attending Grinnell College. Along with these activities, she was never too busy to make time for her grandchildren and was so proud of each and every one of their accomplishments. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Lyle V. Kuehl of Grinnell; one son, Scott (Maribel) Kuehl of Dallas, Texas; three daughters, Carla (Tracy) Kuehl-Purdum of Norwalk, Iowa, Donna (Chad) Forde of Olathe, Kansas and Becky (Brad) Baker of Creston, Iowa; 11 grandchildren, Stephen (Liz Pullen, fiancé) Kuehl, Jeremy Kuehl, Alexis (Jeremy) Ward, Elizabeth Purdum, Emma Purdum, Mikayla Forde, Maria Forde, Brenna Baker, Brielle Baker, Brance Baker and Braelyn Baker; two brothers, Dr. Robert (Rita) Groves and Dr. Danny (Elaine) Groves; her brother-in-law, Gene Kuehl; and her beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and godchildren. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support expressed in so many heart-felt ways. There are too many people to name individually, but it includes many family and friends. We appreciate all the prayers and/or visits and random acts of kindness. This story of life is a tribute to Judy Kuehl. It was written in honor of her memory, which will be carried on in the legacy of love that is now within each of us and in the lives she formed and touched with her love. Judy was filled with an inner light that was visible in her beautiful smile. She worked so hard to keep so many family traditions and memories alive. She was our angel that lived, laughed and loved.