Judy Ann Kerchner

Judy Ann Kerchner, 77 of Shelby Montana, passed away peacefully Sunday April 27, 2025 with her family by her side.

Judy was born December 16, 1947 to Clayton and Gladys (Biggs) Waters. She grew up on a dairy/ag farm in Rockford Iowa with her four sisters. She married Larry Kerchner of Rudd Iowa in 1965, living on a farm north of Rudd. The couple had two children, a daughter Andra and a son Eric. The family moved from Rudd Iowa to the Fargo North Dakota and Moorehead Minnesota area then eventually moved to Shelby Montana in 1977. Judy and Larry later divorced then Judy met her partner Mike Larson of Shelby Montana.

Judy owned and operated Head West Hair Styling located on Main Street Shelby Montana. She had a great passion for her clientele, many of them became her close friends. Two of those cherished friends were Virginia Burns and Helen Schnee.

During her free time Judy enjoyed working in her beautiful flower gardens. She had a passion for watching sports on television, and really enjoyed Football and Baseball. Important to note, Diet Pepsi and Milky Way Candy Bars were a household staple that seemed to disappear rapidly, she loved her candy. Judy will definitely be remembered for her "silly" sense of humor that would catch you off guard at times. Judy loved her family whole heartedly and loved to display family pictures. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were always on display with much pride and joy. Grandma Judy was always cheering them on and loved to see all the individual accomplishments.

Judy is survived by both of her children, daughter Andra Gardipee (John) of Missoula Montana and son Eric Kerchner (Mary) of Helena Montana. Grandchildren, Keshia Kerchner (Brandon) of Lolo Montana; Berit Kerchner of Helena Montana; Rocky Gardipee (Sara) of Missoula Montana; Jacoba Spurlock (Jon) of Great Falls Montana; Paige Knuth (Tanner) of Helena Montana; Sam Gardipee (Kelsey) of Aberdeen North Carolina; Robby Gardipee (Bri) of Renton Washington; as well as numerous great grandchildren. Surviving sisters, are Donna Lind (Jim) of Albia Iowa; Sandra Horning (Bill) of Altoona Iowa; and Wanda Bill (Gregg) of Windsor Heights Iowa.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and Gladys Waters; partner, Mike Larson; sister, Velda LeSuer; nephews, Steve Roberts and Cory LeSuer; niece, Kim Roberts; brothers-in-law, Jim Lind, Daryl Kerchner, and Jim Ernst; sister-in-law, Leona Kerchner; and special friend, Larry Premo.

The family would like to extend our gratitude to her wonderful loving neighbors Kimie and Rob as well as Elisha and Denny for the years of being there to support Judy when she was in need of assistance. Secondarily we would also like to thank Sandy and Brian Moss for helping guide her, transport her, and being great friends.

To our mother we wish to say we love you to the moon and back. You are now a star in the night sky that will guide us, protect us, and watch over our families.

"YOU BELONG AMONG THE WILDFLOWERS"