Judy Dutchess Kepner, 84 of Kokomo, entered the Church Triumphant at 7:34 p.m. Thursday June 22, 2017 at Community Howard Hospital in Kokomo.  She was born August 18, 1932 in Grosse Pointe, MI to Dr. C. Toney and Erna Mary (Zander) Dutchess.   She married Paul E. Kepner on June 18, 1955 in the First Presbyterian Church in Kokomo and they were married for 62 years.    Judy worked for a short time at the Kokomo Tribune.   She loved mentoring children at Bon-Air School in Kokomo and taught pottery art classes in her home studio, Gobbler’s Knob Painting and Pottery.  Judy was a graduate of Galveston High School in 1950 and she earned her bachelors degree from DePauw University.   Judy was also an avid Chicago Cub’s fan, she loved to watch or listen to the games and she lived to see them win the World Series.

Judy was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Kokomo where she chaired the worship committee.  She also sang in the choir and was a worship assistant when called upon.  Judy loved her wild flower garden and enjoyed reading, writing, watching the birds in her garden, cooking and visiting with anyone she met.  She never met a stranger and if she considered you a friend, you were a friend for life.  She also enjoyed taking piano lessons and her pets.  Judy’s most recent post as a teacher has been a watercolor class at Christ Lutheran, and at the former St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kokomo, where she taught many, and was part of Christ Lutheran’s longstanding Fine Arts Series with art shows featuring the work of her students.  During her childhood, her parents helped raise two special cousins, Portia Dutchess Devore and Frieda Fickle Miller.

She is survived by her husband Paul E. Kepner, Kokomo; daughters, Ann Krake Boyle and husband Dan, of Geneva Switzerland, and Pastor Karen Martin Kepner and husband Ernest of Circleville, Ohio.  Sister-in-law, Roma and husband William Charles Chism Jr. of Kokomo and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at Christ Lutheran Church, 3401 S. Dixon Rd. Kokomo, IN  46902 with Pastor Sharon Walker officiating.  A time of fellowship and visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.  Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston has been entrusted with arrangements.  Leave a message of condolence to Judy’s family at www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com

 Service Information