Judith L. Fast

Judith Louise (Holthus) Fast, 79, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on May 24, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Judith was born on February 18, 1947, in Atwood, Kansas, to Anna (Bosler) and Gilbert Holthus. She grew up with her older sister, Jerilyn, and younger brother, John, and treasured the simple joys of childhood in Atwood. Some of those memories included swimming at the Atwood “Lake” and sledding down the big hill at the elementary school. Judith attended school in Atwood and graduated from Atwood High School in 1965.

She continued her education at Oral Roberts University, Fort Hays State University, Tabor College, and Emporia State University.

While attending Tabor College, Judith met Donald “Don” Fast in 1967. With his 1966 Ford Mustang and love of tennis, Don quickly caught her eye, and before long, the two began building a life together. They were united in marriage on December 18, 1968, in Atwood during what was described as the “worst winter storm in 50 years.” Although they had planned to honeymoon in Estes Park, Colorado, impassable roads allowed them to travel only as far as Denver—a story the family has long remembered with a smile.

Judith and Don graduated from Tabor College in 1969 with degrees in education. After graduation, they served for four years as missionary educators at The American School of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Judith taught second grade, while Don taught science and social studies. Their years there were filled with meaningful work, lifelong friendships, and memorable adventures, including a month-long East African safari and travel to other parts of the world before returning to the United States in 1973.

Upon returning to the United States, Judith joined McPherson USD 418, where she taught first grade for more than 30 years. Even after retirement, she returned for several years as a reading tutor because helping children learn was always close to her heart. She had a special gift for recognizing young readers who needed extra support and for helping them overcome their challenges. She made a lasting difference in the lives of many children during some of their most formative years. Her love for children remained evident throughout her life, whether she was greeting a child at the store or spending time with her grandchildren.

In 1983, Judith and Don welcomed their daughter, Emily Dawn, who brought great joy to their lives. As a family, they shared countless trips to Colorado with the Holthus family at Snow Mountain Ranch, traveled to several countries together, and found every excuse to gather around good food, homemade ice cream, and the people they loved most.

Judith found joy in life’s simple gifts—reading, playing the piano, listening to music, napping, exercising, traveling, and, above all, being with her family. She had a way of looking for the good in every situation, and her life was marked by love, kindness, and steady encouragement. She was always ready to help, whether that meant making a quick drive to lend a hand to a family member or spending time on the phone listening and caring. Her favorite saying was “Oh, brother,” often in response to Don heading out to fix another rental emergency or Emily missing curfew once again. She may have hoped for restful vacations, but with Don leading the way, the family usually ended up on another adventure—something that became part of the fun and the memories they cherish.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Anna Holthus, her parents-in-law, Doris and Walter Fast and sister-in-law, Sherri Holthus.

Judith will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of 57 years, Don; her daughter, Emily Koehn (Alex); her grandchildren, Eddie (14) and Zoey (9); her sister, Jerilyn Johnston (Joe); her brother, John Holthus (Sally); her brothers-in-law, Ken Fast (Marilyn), Steve (Nancy), and Merle (Ann); and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Jaycee Reiman for pouring so much love into Judith’s care during the last few months of her life. Judith truly loved her like another daughter.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, at Stockham Family Funeral Home in McPherson. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 1, at McPherson First United Methodist Church, with Pastor Andrew Conard officiating. A private graveside service will be held at McPherson Cemetery prior to the memorial service.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, McPherson Education Foundation, StepMC, or Omega House in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.