She was born Nov. 27, 1965 in Hanford, Calif., to James and Pollie Sewell Johnson. Judy was raised in California and later Idaho Falls, Idaho. She graduated from Davis High School in Yakima, Wash., and then moved to Hermiston. She later graduated from Blue Mountain Community College with an associate degree in office management. Judy was united in marriage to B. William “Bill” Shipp on June 18, 2006 in Hermiston. Judy had worked at Wal-Mart, Ace Hardware and Capeco for a time. She was a member of the First Christian Church, and the Hat Rock Hound club in Hermiston and former member of the Eagles and Moose Lodge. Judy enjoyed going for drives, camping, the mountains, gardening, reading, word searches, Facebook, and most of all time with her family. She loved her dogs Miley and Jake.
Survivors include her dearly loved husband of nine years, Bill Shipp of Hermiston; beloved daughters, Erin Garcia of Hubbard, Christina Messenger of Hermiston, Stacey Picker of Pendleton, Destiny Handy of Idaho, and Misty Ash and husband Nate of Tacoma, Wash.; three 3 loving sons, Brad Rattray of Hermiston, Bryan Shipp of Hermiston, and Joe Spence of Jerome, Idaho. Judy has seven grandchildren that she loved and cherished: Jacob, Chloe, Kristin, Donnavan, Shannon, Landon, and Brandon.
Judy was preceded in death by her mother and stepdad, Pollie and Fred Kile; her dad, James Johnson; and a nephew, James Simpson.
Judy will always be the shining light of our family. She has gone home to be with our Lord and will be waiting there for those of us that put our faith in Christ as our redeemer. Thank you for your prayers on her behalf. God has answered those prayers with His best, and most beautiful reward: HEAVEN. Please continue to pray for our family as we adjust to living without her physical presence. As a child, Judy, the youngest of 5 siblings, was everyone’s favorite. As she grew up, those same qualities brought her many friends. She was a leader in youth activities as her children grew, and welcomed children that needed a loving mentor.
Judy had a loving heart, and she will be missed by all whose lives she touched. Heaven is a little brighter just knowing she is there waiting. We serve an awesome God and He watches over us with love. He knows our needs through this hard time, and He is right there at each point of need.
A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015 at 1 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Hermiston. Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please sign the condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
