Judy Johnson

Judy Johnson of Billings died September 10, 2025, at age 86. Judith Shriner was born June 7, 1939, in Deer Lodge, Montana, to Bernard and Marie Shriner. The family moved to Billings when Judy was young, where she attended Broadwater Elementary and Lincoln Junior High. Shortly after starting Billings Senior High, her dad, who worked for the Northern Pacific Railway, was transferred to Cincinnati. Moving East, Judy attended Western Hills High School in Cincinnati, followed by Miami of Ohio University, graduating in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree.

Judy met her future husband, David, at a wedding. When they decided David would attend law school at Ohio State, Judy’s earnings as a seventh grade social studies teacher paid for David’s law degree. Judy and David married on August 26, 1961, the start of a happy marriage that lasted just short of 60 years with David’s death in 2021. The couple had a true partnership.

The couple moved to Billings in 1964, where David joined the Crowley law firm. Son Kent was born in 1965, and daughter Lori in 1966. Judy had loving and strong relationships with her children and their friends. Through the years, she looked forward to visits with her children and grandchildren, and enjoyed regular phone updates too.

Judy loved Billings and was an active member of the community from the start. Her goal was to make Billings a better place to live. She was on the board or council for YWCA Billings, St. John’s Foundation, the Junior League of Billings, the Billings Preservation Society, the Alberta Bair Theater, and American Lutheran Church. She served as president for both the Junior League of Billings and American Lutheran Church. Alongside David, Judy was named as a Friend of the Billings Clinic. In 1994, Judy was one of the honorees of the YWCA Salute to Women award, which she appreciated as a life-long advocate for women’s issues. Judy also worked for 18 years as a bookkeeper for her friend Kay Foster’s businesses, and had an event/tour planning business, Discover Billings, with her friend Karin Smith.

Judy treasured her friends. Her book club has met for more than 50 years, while her bridge club’s tenure is 60 years. Not much bridge is played at bridge club, but much fun (and daiquiris) has been had. Above all, Judy brought people together. She devoted much time to her relationships with her friends, and introduced people she thought had common interests. She also had an enthusiasm for life - her friendly, kind, and thoughtful interest in others earned her many fans through the years. Judy’s other favorite pastimes included traveling with David and friends, attending theater and other cultural events in town, participating in church activities, and spending time at the family cabin in Red Lodge. Many people are also aware of Judy’s fondness for shopping, which endured to the end.

Judy is survived by son Kent, of Portland, Oregon; daughter Lori, of Reston, Virginia; daughter-in-law Becky, of Portland; and grandchildren Sophie, of New York City; Brooks, of Eugene, Oregon; and Elliot, of Portland.

Judy’s family thanks the staff at St. John’s The Vista for their support during Judy’s years in assisted living - ranging from nursing support to tech support!

Donations in Judy’s honor may be made to Dress for Success Billings, the Red Lodge Area Community Foundation for the tennis court construction project, or a charity of your choice.

A funeral service for Judy will be announced at a later date.