Judith "Judy" Lee Scheafer

After many years of suffering from the pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Judy finally got her wish and that is to “go be with Jesus.” She is now pain free. She passed away peacefully at home on July 31, 2022. Born March 12, 1942, Judy was the first born child of Vern and Ruth Sipe, in Seattle, Washington.

When she was only three years old, the family decided to move from Seattle to Powell, WY to start a new life. After 13 years in Powell, the family decided that Billings might offer better opportunities.

After graduating from Billings Senior High School, she went on to further her education at Billings Business College and that is where she met her husband Gerald, “Jerry” Scheafer and they married a year later on October 7, 1961.

After working a couple of years at Associated Grocers, Jerry made a career change and went to work for Baker Hughes, a major oil field service company. Their first move was to Vernal, Utah, then on to Farmington, NM and from there to Denver Co. The Company then decided to move them to Oklahoma City and then they moved us back to Denver. These were all good moves because they were promotions. Throughout the many moves, Judy enjoyed her time with family and friends sharing the love of Jesus. Every morning was spent reading the word and writing down what was on her heart which turned into many book journals of her life. This is why her signature on each of her paintings the initials “JLS” appears which is not just Judith Lee Scheafer—but “Jesus Lord Savior.”

Then, our next move took us to Bakersfield, CA, where the Lord had other ideas for Judy. After many prayers, she was led to sign up at an art class and the art studio was a converted cotton gin. After six months of art classes, the lady wanted to retire and close the art studio. Judy said “no” so she then leased the art studio and after a year Jerry got transferred to Houston. Judy joined the Kingwood Art Society and was so overwhelmed by the experience of watching details “burst with joy” with a picture that will be meaningful, delighting and pleasing in God’s eyes.

From Houston, we made our last stop to the Dallas area and after a couple of years in Dallas, Jerry said he had made enough moves and it was time to head north. Jerry retired in May 2001 and we moved back to Powell. Judy continued with her paintings and was able to complete a couple of commission paintings before the RA got so bad, it was hard for her to paint.

Judy is survived by her husband, Jerry; daughter, Brenda and John Mares, Albuquerque, NM; son Steve and Tracey Scheafer, Allen, Texas. Her brothers Vern and Darlene Sipe, Billings Mt; Doug and Vickie Sipe, Billings, Mt and a sister, Larry and Anna Wood, Colorado Springs, Co also survive her. Her grandchildren John and Michelle Mares, Clovis NM; Hannah Mares, Albuquerque, NM; Tim and Ope Scheafer, Forum, TX; Ruth and Jose Garza, Caddo Mills, TX and Daniel and Mariah Scheafer, Jacksonville, FL; and five Great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces survive her.

Judy has been cremated and a memorial service, celebration of life, will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at 11:00 am at Faith Community Church at 1267 Road 18 (Highway 294) Powell, WY.  Burial of Judy's ashes will be at 10:00 am, August 25, 2022 at Crown Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Faith Community Church, Box 1205, Powell, Wyoming 82435 or to Northwest College Foundation, 231 West 6^th Street, Powell, WY 82435.