Co-founder of family-run truck stop giant Love has died aged 87

On Tuesday, company officials announced that the co-founder of one of the country's largest truck stop chains had died.

On November 5, 2024, Judy Love, co-founder of Love's Travel Stops, died in Oklahoma City at the age of 87.

Judy Love's husband Tom Love, founder of Love's Travel Stops, died in March 2023 at the age of 85.

Judy Love was born in Chicago in 1937. She married Tom Love on December 26, 1960 and the couple rented an abandoned gas station in Watonga in 1964. The company grew to 40 stores over the next eight years. In those early days, Judy Love managed the company's accounting and remained the company's secretary and treasurer as the company grew and opened offices in dozens of states.

Over the decades, Love's Travel Stops grew to 651 locations in 42 states.

“Judy Love was an extraordinary woman with a big heart for others and an inexhaustible joy for life,” said Jane Jayroe-Gamble, a close friend and former broadcaster, author and public servant. “Her passion for family, friends, community and being Catholic.” The church inspired many. Judy and Tom were a match made in heaven and their successful business reflects their hard work, dedication and generosity. As we mourn her loss, we celebrate her remarkable life, her positive spirit, her gifts of encouragement and her significant impact on our world.”