Judy Lykins

Judy Ann Lykins, 59, died Monday, May 2, 2011 at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN of breast cancer. A celebration of Judy's life will be held at 4:00pm on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at Lakewood Evangelical Free Church in Baxter, MN with Pastors Dan Werthman and John Just officiating. Friends are also welcome to gather on Wednesday evening at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter from 5-7:00pm.

Judith Ann Shepley was born November 14, 1951 in Hutchinson, MN, the daughter of Warren and Patricia (Strait) Shepley. She grew up in Glencoe, MN and graduated from Glencoe High School in 1969 before attending Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, where she earned her teaching degree in 1973. Judy married Roger Thomas Lykins on December 29, 1973. After holding teaching positions in St. Cloud and Villard, MN, the couple moved to Nisswa in 1976 and purchased Sherwood Forest Lodge, which they operated for two years. In 1978, Roger and Judy purchased Lykins Pinehurst Resort where they have enjoyed the past 33 seasons. She was blessed by her 30 years of teaching at Nisswa School. Her love of teaching extended beyond the classroom as she shared her life and faith with so many people. She also enjoyed spending time with friends, music, baking, walking, boating, and collecting family heirlooms.

Judy loved the Lord and his Word. She has always been a light for the Lord, but never more so than since she was diagnosed with cancer. From the moment of her diagnosis, Judy was determined to shine for the Lord and bring Him glory.

Judy will be deeply missed by her husband of 37 years, Roger; her daughters, Betsy (Brian) Ogren of Rochester, MN and Katie (Mark) Handley of Gilbert, AZ; her sons Mark (Ashley Bean) Lykins and Scott Lykins; parents Warren and Patricia Shepley of South St. Paul, MN; grandchildren Anna, Andrew and Julia Ogren and Declan Handley; sister Sandy Shepley, So. St. Paul, MN; brothers Robert (Liz) Shepley of Northfield, MN and Thomas (Deb) Shepley of Burnsville, MN; in-laws Ron and Mary Lykins of Mora, MN and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Lakes Area Chamber Music Festival, which Judy avidly loved and supported over the past two summers.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter.