Judith ‘Judy’ Elizabeth Shepard
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Judith ‘Judy’ Elizabeth Shepard passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, at her home surrounded by loving family. She was born July 12, 1940 in Boone, Iowa, the only child of Roy and Betty (Carlson) Kristianson. In her childhood, her family traveled as evangelists, singing together and holding tent revivals. When she was 14, her parents moved to Kansas City where she attended Central High School and was active at Evangel Temple Assembly of God. She played piano for services and led the youth group. It was at Evangel that she met David Shepard, her future husband.
Judy and Dave married in 1959 and within five years were parents to Cynthia (Cindy), Stephanie and David Jr. After graduating from KU in electrical engineering, Dave Sr. began his career at Bendix, Kansas City Plant. The couple settled in south Kansas City and were active in church and hosted Bible studies in their home. Once the children were grown, Dave and Judy moved to Lee’s Summit, MO, where they continued to live.
As empty nesters, the couple enjoyed travel, taking cross country road trips and spending many winters in Florida. They especially liked to visit Branson and enjoyed many family trips there over the years. Judy finished her Bachelor’s degree at Mid-America Nazarene College and proceeded to obtain a Master’s and PhD in Biblical Counseling from Kingsway College. Judy’s gifting was ministering to women and she was active in Women’s Aglow and End Time Handmaidens. She especially loved playing gospel music at home, in church and at women’s events.
Her biggest passion in life was sharing about the love of Jesus. She found unique ways of using her gifts by writing and recording songs for a gospel radio broadcast in the “olden” days of technology, and then using modern day social media to share a “Thought for Today”. Judy also put her entrepreneurial talents to work by operating two Bible book stores. She wanted everyone to know that “U R Loved!” Judy will be long remembered for her faithfulness, generosity, and tenacious love for God and family.
Judy was a great listener and made others feel like she was truly interested in their lives. She always had a word of encouragement, and her family knows how she tried to make each person feel special on birthdays and holidays. She is fondly remembered for her yearly gifts of $2 bills. She managed to show up as often as she was able for every milestone in her grandchildren’s lives. It is evident to all that she loved and prayed for her family and wanted everyone to know Jesus’ great love for them.
Judy is preceded in death by her beloved son David Shepard, Jr, her parents and her parents-in-law Ben and Edna Shepard, as well as sons-in-law, cousins and friends. She is survived by her husband David Shepard of the home, her daughters Cindy Jones of Greenwood, Stephanie Hill of Raytown, daughter-in-law Joan (Allen) Degenhardt of Lee’s Summit, over a dozen grandchildren and many great and great-great grandchildren. The grand and great grandchildren were the light of her life.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Joyful Sound Worship Center, 11400 E 218th St, Peculiar, MO 64078. Visitation will begin at 11 AM followed by a service at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in Judy’s name to Joyful Sound at the address above.
Cindy, Stephanie, and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your sweet mama! There aren’t words for the aches we feel in the voids of our hearts when loved ones pass! However, the gracious love of our Father in Heaven penetrates the very voids and fills them with the joy and hope of knowing without a doubt that your mama is rejoicing in Heaven !
May our Father continue to watch over your dad and entire family as you grieve and rejoice at the life and legacy of your mom! Love to you !
Judy was a straight shooter. she will be missed.
Doves Rest Park in Winter Haven FL was blessed to have Judy and David with us many winters while Bryant Kristianson was with us. Her love for Jesus and her joyful nature were a blessing. Our thoughts are with her family and friends who will truly miss her.
I’m so sorry to hear the sad news
Im remembering the fun times we had while attending EvangelTemple
Sending prayers
My heart is saddened seeing this! She was a loving friend.
My prayer is God will fill the void in your hearts with His love ! Prayers, Donna Snow Roggow !! ❤️
Just at loving sweet woman. I met her when I attended evangel temple. During that time I became a young widow and bless her heart years later when I was ready to remarry she spotted a dress she thought I might like and told me, I went and it was perfect. That meant so much to me. She will be greatly missed
Judy was such a dear lady. She made her mark on the hearts of many people throughout the years. We send our love and sympathy to the family.
James & Gayanne Briggs
My.most fondest memories of Mama Judy is sitting 2 rows up in front of her and David at Evangelist Center church for years. Knowing she was always there to love and guide me. She made you feel secure just by her presence, kind words and hugs. Sending prayers of comfort to all 🧡 Oh death where is your sting. U R Loved.
So sorry to hear the passing of Judy, was friends of her and David. Lost contact over the years. My prayers are with David and family.
When we moved from CA for my husband’s sabbatical, I got thee best job of my life at Good Shepherd Academy KC, MO. Besides being a grand mom to the students and staff there, Judy’s Bible bookstore experience helped -in between her comforting crying kindergartners. She’s part of so many of my happy Midwest memories: experiencing dinner theater, Branson, Andre’s European food and family events that my husband and I were invited to share. And l too received my share of notes assuring me: U R Loved!
Thank You, Jesus for creating Judy!!!!!