Judith K. Sheputis

Beloved Mother, Wife, Grandmother and friend Judi Sheputis passed away at the age of 85 on May 25th, 2025, of natural causes in Chesterfield, Missouri. Her final days were peaceful and she was surrounded by family.

Judi was born in Chicago Illinois in 1940, the second child of six to Joe and Lucille Hill. Judi was a devout Catholic throughout her life, regularly attending mass at St. Bartholomew and graduating from Alvernia Catholic High School in Chicago, where she was an excellent student.

After graduation Judi studied Chemistry at the University of Illinois at Navy Pier, before joining the US Naval Reserve in 1962. After her service, she was honorably discharged as a Yeoman 2nd class.

During this time, Judi began work as a lab tech at Service Master, quickly being promoted to manager. In early 1963, a young lab tech joined her team upon being discharged from the Navy. A tall woman herself, this very tall young man caught her eye. Judi and “Big John” John Sheputis were soon engaged, getting married August 31, 1963 at St Edward’s in Chicago. Their marriage lasted 61 years – which was quite an accomplishment (for Judi).

The young newlyweds moved around frequently in the early days. Big John began working as a roustabout in west Texas, while Judi took care of their growing family. Jane Ray (Sheputis) was born in Andrews, Texas and John P Sheputis was born when they moved to Houston, Texas. From there, the family of four moved to Lafayette, Louisiana. Judi and Big John lived in married student housing with two very young children, while Big John completed coursework to earn a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Louisiana Lafayette.

Big John then began a long career with Monsanto in 1967, requiring several more moves, including Collinsville, Illinois, where Joe Sheputis was born, and then to Fox River Grove, Illinois, where Jay Sheputis was born, before returning to the home office in Creve Coeur, Missouri in 1976. The Monsanto adventure didn’t stop, as Big John accepted an assignment in Japan from 1982-83, taking the family to Tokyo for a year (and Sheputis’ becoming the tallest family in Japan).

In all, John and Judi moved 7 times between 1963 and 1976. Always one to get the important things handled, Judi quickly and skillfully found new schools and doctors for the kids throughout the many moves. Judi was a gregarious and open person, making new friends everywhere she went. In 1993, John and Judi found a home in Town & Country, where they lived for the next 31 years. Through this time, Judi stayed in close contact with her siblings, and organized many family trips to Wisconsin to see her sisters and her many nieces and nephews. She also remained an active member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Creve Coeur for several decades.

During her time in St Louis, Judi made a career in real estate, which leveraged her natural social skills and deep connection to the community. Working for Coldwell Banker / Gundaker, Judi earned the Graduate Realtor Institute designation. Her technical and professional skills were routinely sought by other agents in the Creve Coeur office on Olive Blvd.

Judi was amazingly supportive of her many relatives and friends. There was always room for one more at her dinner table, the door was always open for company. Judi was fast to accept people, reliably supportive, and never one to complain or judge others. She was quick witted and loved opportunities to think through challenges and games. She was always up for Mah Jongg or Pinochle. Even in her final years, she would devour crosswords and jigsaw puzzles with Big John and her grandkids.

Judi and Big John loved to travel, whether long car rides, planes, or cruise ships. Together they visited all 50 states and dozens of countries in 6 continents. Through it all, Judi was always interested in the activities of beloved kids and grandkids, siblings, family, and friends. Her absence will leave a large hole in the lives of the family and friends who loved her.

Judi is survived by her husband of 61 years, John Sheputis, her children, Jane (C Keith Ray), John P (Susie Campbell), Joe, and Jay (Amie Heuring Sheputis), her grandchildren, Ryan, Reed, Audrey, and Charlotte, and three of her sisters, Joanne Schaffrath, Lucille Antolik, and Marilyn Savela, and her goddaughter Antoinette Schaffrath. Judi was predeceased by her sister, Linda, and brother, Joe.

Judi and Big John have chosen Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery as their final resting place, where they will remain together forever.

In keeping with Judi’s generous spirit, the family asks that any donations to be made to something that is personal and meaningful to you.

The family would welcome stories about your memories of Judi. To share a memory of Judi or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.