Julie Garvey Sheppard

Julie Garvey Sheppard passed away at her home in Phoenix, AZ on November 25.

The fifth child of Jean and Willard Garvey, Julie attended Principia School in St. Louis and graduated from Wichita Collegiate School, where she co-founded and co-edited the student newspaper, Gerousia. 

Having fallen in love with northern Nevada during summers spent on her family’s cattle ranch near Winnemucca, Julie attended the nearest college, the University of Nevada, Reno, where she majored in Journalism and founded the women’s swim team, today an award-winning NCAA Division 1 swim team.

Following graduation, Julie returned to the family’s ranch, riding on cattle drives, and chronicling this last vestige of the Old West in stunning photographs.

Later, Julie excelled as a motivational coach, and in addition to her talents as a photographer—including the opportunity of studying with Ansel Adams—she was a gifted sculptress.

Returning to Wichita following the birth of her daughter, Abby, Julie pursued a multitude of activities, including teaching babies to swim, serving on the board and later as Sole Trustee for her mother’s The Independent School, and on the boards of YWCA and FIJA [Fully Informed Jury Amendment]. She dedicated herself to numerous causes and was an active member of the Shakespeare Club, Colonial Dames and the DAR. She was an inspring Sunday school teacher and a member of the Christian Science church.

Shirking social media, Julie counted hundreds as cherished friends, keeping in close personal contact with each. Julie truly lived every day fully, with joy and love. The extent of the support she provided friends, family, and acquaintances, and random acts of kindness, will never be known.

Julie is survived by her daughter Abby Sheppard Berglund and granddaughter Elowin Berglund of Cottonwood, AZ, and her five brothers and sisters: John Garvey, Jim Garvey, Ann Garvey, Emily Bonavia, and Mary Theroux.

A Celebration of Julie's Life will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 pm on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Cozine Life Events Center. 

Memorial gifts may be made in her name to The Independent School: https://www.theindependentschool.com/giving