OKLAHOMA CITY (Gray News) – Judy Love, co-founder Travel Stops of LoveHe died on Tuesday.

company announced Love passed away this week at the age of 87.

Judy Love founded the grocery chain with her late husband Tom Love in 1964.

Judy Love was instrumental in building Love’s Travel Stops, expanding store locations to more than 650 in 42 states, the family-owned company said.

Company representatives said his legacy of philanthropy will live on through his children Greg, Laura, Jenny and Frank, as well as his nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

“Our mother, Judy Love, was the heart and soul of our family,” the Love family said. “He cared deeply about us and those who worked with him and his father. “His determination, strength and focus will guide us forever.”

While attending Oklahoma State University in 1956, she met Tom Love and they married in 1960. Together they rented an abandoned service station in Watonga in 1964, which grew to 40 stores in eight years.

From these beginnings, the Love family of companies was established.

“He taught us the importance of hard work, integrity and the joy of giving back. “We will miss him greatly, but his spirit will live on through the countless lives he touched,” the Love family said.

Close friend Jane Jayroe-Gamble said she would remember Judy Love for her love and loyalty to her many friends and family.

“Judy Love was an extraordinary woman with a huge heart for others and an inexhaustible joy of life,” Jayroe-Gamble said. “His passion for his family, friends, community and the Catholic Church inspired many.”

Judy Love also co-chaired the capital campaign for Positive Tomorrows, Oklahoma’s only school for children experiencing homelessness.

The company did not immediately share how Judy Love died.

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