Judith Diane “Judy” Bruning, age 85, of Keystone Heights passed away Saturday June 27, 2026 at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center in Palatka. She was born on February 7, 1941 in Miami, Florida to Robert and Lillian( Frost) Norton. 

Judy was a devoted member of Lake Area Bible Church in Melrose Florida since 1995 where she actively served her church family and community. In 2008, she received her Advanced Diploma in Theology from Life Christian University. Her faith was central to her life and she could often be found reading her Bible and attending Ministry conferences. 

Judy remained a stay-at-home mom until the 1980s where she re-entered the workforce. She first worked for Calvary Ministries and then spent 10 years at the Bankruptcy Law Firm of Lansing J. Roy. More recently, she was a caregiver with Comfort Keepers where she passionately cared for others in their later stages of life. One of her greatest joys was working as the cashier at the first Frozen Pelican in Keystone Heights with her daughter and son-in-law. She poured her heart into the family run business as the proudest supporter and biggest fan from day one. 

In her younger years, she enjoyed horseback riding, painting, barrel racing on Saturday nights at the Riding Club and was quite the tennis player. She even made a memorable splash in the '80s by swimming a remarkable 3 mi in Lake Geneva, coming in second place. 

Judy lived a truly Spirit-led life, completely anchored by her faith in God and filled with his agape love. She was a devoted student of scripture and a mighty prayer warrior, constantly interceding for others, journaling, writing down prophecies, and deeply studying the Word. Her absolute favorite topic of conversation was salvation, the Holy Spirit, the joy of Jesus and the promise of Heaven. That heavenly perspective fueled her earthly purpose. She loved helping people navigate the practical challenges of their daily lives. Judy possessed a rare maternal grace that extended far beyond her own children, acting as a spiritual mother to many. A natural peacemaker, she always chose to champion the truth and always asked “does it line up with the Word?”. She loved her family with a devotion that mirrors Christ's love and leaves behind a beautiful legacy of unconditional love and faithful service. 

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her daughter Laura Bruning Densmore and brothers Larry Norton and Glenn Norton. Judy leaves behind her children Lisa Bruning Stephens and her husband Troy of Melrose, and Karl Bruning and his wife Jackie of Plainfield, Illinois along with her brother Brett Norton of Keystone Heights and son-in-law Eric Densmore of Anthony. She was lovingly called "JuJu" by her grandchildren Ava Densmore, Adysen Stephens, Colton Densmore and Wyatt Bruning. 

In Lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Lake Area Bible Church in memory of Judy and the life she lived ministering to others. 

Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 340 E. Walker Dr., Keystone Heights, FL 32656. (352) 473-3176. Jonesgallagherfh.com