Judith Lyn Stark

Judith was greeted by her Lord and Savior, Jesus, on October 26, 2023. She was born on December 17, 1944 in Argonia, Kansas to Ernest and Lockie Moyer. Judy graduated from Argonia High School, completed a bachelor’s degree from Friends University, and a master’s degree from Emporia State University. In August of 1959 her family was involved in a tragic car accident which took the lives of her father and her grandmother. Judy and her mother were seriously injured and in her words, “Life would never be the same.”

On December 23, 1967 she married Lewis Stark. Judy continued to teach special education and Spanish in the Wichita school system until 1976. This was followed by a second career in real estate. She and Lewis loved children and had a lasting impact on many young people during the years they served in foster care, Newton Weekday Bible School, Newton Nazarene children’s church and the church bus route.

Education was very important to Judy. She was active and involved in the education of their two sons, Brian and James and was honored for her service to the Newton Chisholm Middle school families. She was a faithful contributor to a number of causes she believed deserving of her support including serving on the board of the Harvey County Habitat for Humanity for a period of time. She loved gardening, reading, genealogy, playing games, and do-it-yourself projects. Her competitive spirit and “can-do” attitude was evident to the end.

However, throughout her life Judith’s walk of faith was of the utmost importance. Through the decades, Judy and Lewis had years of active membership at Wichita First Church of the Nazarene, Wichita Asbury Methodist and Newton Nazarene. In her autobiography she recalls the preaching of an evangelist by the name of Annie Laurie Griner. Referring to Rev. Griners’ message she said, “She made knowing and loving Jesus so real that I wanted to know Him like she did.” Judy’s life was spent doing just that. In her words, “I hope that when I get to the end of my life and people are reading my obituary that they will think of my love of my God, my husband, and my family as my most important attribute.”

Judith is preceded in death by her husband Lewis of 54 years, her parents and her siblings. She is survived by sons Brian and James Stark, three step-daughters, LaRita (Gene) Schandorff, Jo (Rocky) Lamar, Mary (Chris) Swan, and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren whom she loved dearly and prayed for daily.

The family wishes to express special thanks to the staff of Presbyterian Manor and Good Shepherd Hospice for their kind care and attention for Judy in the past year. A service of celebration will be held November 5 at 4:00 PM at Newton Nazarene Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Newton Nazarene Church, Wichita Asbury Methodist Church or Good Shepherd Hospice.