Judith Shovlin
Shiloh | Save
Judith “Judy” R. Shovlin (née Kent), 72, of Shiloh, IL passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 25, 2025.
Judy graduated from St. Teresa Academy in East St. Louis, IL in 1971, and married the love of her life, Stephen Shovlin in 1972. Stephen preceded her in death on February 3, 1984. From that time forward, Judy devoted her life to raising their three sons—James Stephen, David Scott, and Keith Allen—with unwavering love and strength.
For nearly forty years, Judy devoted herself to St. Henry’s Creative Learning Center where she welcomed thousands of young children into their first school experiences with patience, kindness, and joy. She drew her vitality from their laughter, curiosity, and wonder, and she left a lasting impression on generations of families who fondly remember her as “Miss Judy.”
Judy loved searching for treasures, and when she wasn’t working or spending time with her family, she could most often be found exploring thrift stores and rummage sales with her lifelong best friend, Mary Beth Pingsterhaus.
Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stephen G. Shovlin; her mother, Mary Kent (née Steinhauser); her father, Carl Kent; her father-in-law, James C. Shovlin; and her mother-in-law, Idalia “Dolly” Shovlin (née Stengel).
She is survived by her three sons, James (Lana) Shovlin of Springfield, IL; David Shovlin of O’Fallon, IL; and Keith (Erin) Shovlin of O’Fallon, IL; as well as her seven cherished grandchildren—Grace, Cecilia, Leo, Caleb, Carter, Halloran, and Eli Shovlin.
Judy loved reading and all shades of purple. She will be deeply missed, and her kindness and quiet strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Memorials may be made to Society of St. Vincent de Paul; https://svdpsouthil.org/, or P.O. Box 3415, E. St. Louis, IL 62203.
Visitation will take place on Monday, November 3, 2025, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Schildknecht Funeral Home; 301 Lincoln Ave., O’Fallon, IL 62269.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 10:00 am, at St. Henry Catholic Church; 5315 W Main St., Belleville, IL 62223, with Fr. Kenneth York officiating.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home, O’Fallon, IL.
Schildknecht Funeral Home
