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With hearts that grieve yet rejoice in God’s promises, we announce that Judith “Judy” Kay Ferren, 79, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 7, 2026, after an unexpected and rapidly progressing cancer. Her life was a beautiful testimony of unwavering faith, steadfast trust in God’s goodness, and a deep love for her savior. Though Judy will be dearly missed, her family finds peace in knowing she has heard the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” and now rests in the presence of the one she faithfully followed throughout her life.
Judy was born to Loris Dacon and Irma Esther (Heil) Slater on Feb. 8, 1947, in Powell, Wyoming. Her “favorite” brother, Larry Robert, joined the family on Oct. 26, 1950.
She attended Mrs. Cottrell’s kindergarten class and Powell schools from first-12th grade, graduating high school in 1965. She attended Northwest College from 1965-1966 and then headed to the University of Northern Colorado, graduating in 1969 with a BA in elementary education.
During her freshman year at PHS, she met her high school sweetheart, Tommy Lee Ferren. They married on Sept. 14, 1968. They resided in Greeley, Colorado, during Judy’s final year of college, and then she accepted her first job in Loveland, Colorado, in 1968 teaching art and second grade. While living in Greeley, the couple welcomed their first daughter, Danielle Renee, on Jan. 9, 1972. After a brief move back to Powell in 1972, they moved to Lovell in 1973. Tom and Judy bought a tiny schoolhouse on the corner of Jersey Avenue and Seventh Street and began to transform it into the loving home they would share until her passing. Another daughter, Nicolle Rae, arrived on Oct. 4, 1976. Judy enjoyed staying home with her girls until 1979, when she began teaching in the Lovell school system. She taught Title I Reading and Math as well as third grade. Over the span of four decades she touched the lives of more than 1,200 students in the community. She lovingly kept a scrapbook containing photos and names of each and every child that came through her classroom. Judy retired in 2009 but continued to substitute teach in the elementary school until 2021. She remained an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma.
Judy faithfully attended Lovell Bible Church for over 50 years. She served in various capacities such as teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, singing in the choir, and playing in the worship band. She led women’s Bible studies and was an integral part of serving high school students lunch at The Point. She orchestrated the prayer chain and ensured the weekly bulletin was ready every Sunday morning. Throughout her life, she was a woman whose love for Jesus shaped every aspect of who she was. She found joy in serving others and peace in knowing that her life was held securely in God’s hands. Even during her illness, she faced each day with grace, courage, and a steadfast faith in the Lord, inspiring everyone who was blessed to know her.
She was devoted to her family and treasured every moment spent with them. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter and unconditional love, where all were welcome with open arms. She found joy in life’s simple blessings, cherished time with those she loved, and left a lasting impact through her kindness, generosity and gentle spirit.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Loris and Irma (Heil) Slater. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Tom Ferren; brother, Larry (Kim) Slater; daughters, Danielle (Aaron) Merrifield and Nicolle (Tony) Scott; her grandchildren Marie Cruz, Hannah Cruz, Avery Merrifield, Magdalene Cruz, Shayla (Ashtynn) Baker, Kinsey (Tyler) Davenport, and Caleb Cruz; and four great-grandchildren.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Lovell Community Center on Sunday, July 19, at 2 p.m. with a fellowship dinner to follow. Interment will be at the Crown Hill Cemetery in Powell on Monday, July 20, at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Camp Bethel, or that acts of kindness be shown in her memory.
Judy was my first teacher. She taught me after school what she learned that day. I was a year behind her when I started school. She lived down Ave. G from me. I got to try on her point shoes.