Pawnee — Amy Rae Gudgel, 53, of Pawnee, Illinois, died Friday, May 16, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. Amy was born Oct. 15, 1971, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of Steve L. and Anida R. Ellis Riney. She married Steven E. Gudgel on July 13, 1996, at St. Benedict's Church in Auburn. She was preceded in death by her father and her niece Megan Sheppard.

Amy graduated from Lanphier High School in 1989. She worked in management at CSC in Springfield for 26 years. She previously worked for the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office as a dispatcher for five years.

Amy loved spending time with her family and friends, taking trips to Mexico and riding in her Bronco with the top off. Amy always loved to have fun, whether that involved enjoying time in the pool, playing poker with family and friends or just being with those she loved.

Amy is survived by her husband, Steve, of Pawnee; one daughter, Hannah N. (Evan Mahan) Gudgel, of Pawnee; her mother, Anida Riney, of Springfield; two brothers, Steve and Jamie Riney, both of Springfield; one sister, Lisa (husband, Jamie) Flynn, of Springfield; her in-laws, Butch and Connie Gudgel and Michael (wife, Tonya) Gudgel, all of Pawnee, Tracy (husband, Scott) Sheppard of Auburn and Melissa (husband, Tom) Williams of Decatur; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved granddog, Rex.

Amy's family will meet friends from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m., Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Pawnee Assembly of God Church in Pawnee, with Rev. A.B. Bennett officiating. Burial will follow at Horse Creek Cemetery in Pawnee.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of Amy Gudgel. Online condolences may be expressed at www.curryfh.com.