Julia Ann “Judy” Cochran, 87, finished her good run on this earth on 23 March 2019, in Mission, Kansas, following a lifetime in Johnson County, Missouri. She died peacefully of natural causes. Judy was born on 24 January 1932 to William Kirkwood “Pop” Gard and Helen Violet Frick on Six Cedars Farm near Kingsville, Missouri.
She married her one true love, Harlan Edward Cochran, on 10 June 1949 in Holden, Missouri. Harlan preceded her in death on 1 February 1984. Starting in the early 1960’s, Harlan and Judy, with the help of their four children, developed an outstanding registered Jersey herd on their farm north of Holden.
They received numerous production awards and wide recognition over the years. The herd, Cochran’s Jerseys, continues under the management of their son Clint and his family. Following her retirement in 1990, Judy worked as a receptionist at B&B Veterinary Hospital in Warrensburg, Missouri, for eleven years.
Judy loved music. She sang in church and community choirs throughout her life, participating in the Warrensburg Community Chorus for over twenty years. She also volunteered at the Johnson County Historical Society.
Judy was a devoted genealogist who transformed fragments of family history and dry records into lively stories. She was passionate about preserving memories and made dozens of treasured family photo albums and scrapbooks. Judy’s preeminent love was her family.
Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought her a lifetime of joy and entertainment. She had a passion for books which she passed on to the children in her life who eagerly gathered to hear her read aloud with dramatic flair. Judy’s penchant for connecting with people led her to seek out the quiet ones, never wanting anyone to feel left out.
She welcomed people and valued them, always taking time for caring conversation. Judy is survived by her four children: Kirk (Carol) of Noblesville, Indiana; Clint (Donna) of Holden, Missouri; Susan (Jack) Schill of Belvidere, Vermont; and Chad (Jessica Kueker) of Prairie Village, Kansas. She will be fondly remembered by her eleven grandchildren: Kelly (Rick) Shields, Mike (Elizabeth) Cochran, Kyle (Rachel) Cochran, Katie (Matt) Hendricks, Dale (Melanie) Cochran, Eric (Hannah) Cochran, Angie (Morgan Young) Cochran, Noah Schill, Trent (Sarah) Schill, Cullen (Melissa Fontaine) Schill, Lydian Cochran; her fourteen great-grandchildren; and a multitude of extended family – related by blood and by unofficial adoption.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her four siblings, Russell Gard, Richard “Dick” Gard, Mary Edmondson, and Jeanette Patterson. Her family is planning a Celebration of Life for a future date. To receive notice of the finalized plans, send your name and email address to judy.
cochran. celebration@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Johnson County (Missouri) Historical Society or Trails Regional Library in Warrensburg.
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