Judith E Niemeyer

Judith Ellen Niemeyer, 69, died at 3:10PM, Friday, January 30, 2015 at the home of her brother, Bob Kagler in Bakersfield, California. She was born May 8, 1945 in Bakersfield, California to Velma and Bennie Munger and was honored to be a step-daughter to Dick Kagler of McFarland, California.

She married Larry L. Niemeyer on December 18, 1965. They served as missionaries in Africa for 48 years, living in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Kenya where she learned three languages. Besides living and serving among diverse people, teaching literacy, life skills, Bible and Christian living, she was a loving friend to thousands, a neighbor, disciple-maker, prayer partner, mentor, teacher and coach, as well as a "mother" and "grandmother" to many. Her home was in Nairobi, Kenya.

Family was always a priority to Judy: her husband - Larry, sons - Heath (Virginia) and Ronan (Trinidad), daughters-in-love - Gina and Stephanie, grandchildren - Lucas, Marcus, Nicolas, Genevieve, Tannon and Gianna Judy. Her final days of a battle with cancer were spent with these plus her mother - Velma Kagler (91), brothers - Richard and Bob, sisters - Beverly and Candy, their spouses, nephews and nieces. All have survived her.

Her schools included Pioneer Elementary of Bakersfield, and East Bakersfield High School, Pacific Christian College (Long Beach), Hope International University (Fullerton) and Daystar University (Nairobi).

She loved people, captured their lives in her photography, face-booked with them, wrote wonderful letters and cards, remembered their birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and other important dates. She was a kind hostess and loved to get visitors around to the people, families, churches, projects, sites, game parks and restaurants of Africa. In it all, she was Communications Director for Harvest Heralds, Inc.

The visitation was from 4:00PM until 8:00PM on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at the Hillcrest Memorial Park in Bakersfield. The memorial and graveside services will be held at Skyline Memorial Garden and Beaverton Christian Church in Portland, Oregon on Monday, February 9 at 11:00AM and 1:00PM respectively.

Memorial contributions may be made to Harvest Heralds, Inc., PO Box 1147, Beaverton, Oregon 97075-1147. Designate them for Judy.

Please visit the guestbook located on this website. Thank you.

Below are guestbook messages that currently appear at Judy's internet memorial website found at the Bakersfield Californian: www.bakersfieldcalifornian.com

-Judy was always an inspiration to me because of the way she organized herself and was always on top of things. I met Judy way back when Heath and Ronan went to Rosslyn Academy as students. I was working there and whenever parents were required to sign up for something or make payments of any sort i.e. School fees, lunch, class trips, she was always one of the first ones to pay and submit the required forms. Later on when we re-connected at Life Spring Chapel, she continued being her organized self. Her interaction with members of the congregation was truly admirable. She touched so many peoples lives by being there for their families. New born, sorrowful times, birthdays etc. the list could go on and on. She truly loved people and it wasn't difficult to love her back. We will miss her photos and always finding ways to make every day memorable. She's already being missed so much, and we will always remember her. Larry, Judy would not have been the wonderful person she was without your support. Because of you, she was able to thrive and if there's any way she could communicate with you, she would tell you how grateful she is for the love and care you gave her in her time of need. You were there for her to the very end and for that, may the Lord abundantly bless you. We continue praying for you and your family, that the Lord will hold you, comfort and give you strength during this very sorrowful time.

~ Josephine and Charles Mwangi Nairobi, Kenya
February 4, 2015


-She was truly an amazing Mother-in-law to have. She cared so very much about the details. What a life well lived. Her legacy will live on.

~ Stephanie Young-Niemeyer Trinidad
February 4, 2015


-I will never forget what an impact you made on my life, a message I'm sure so many could leave because everyone you came in contact with you left a mark in them. You are a good person loving and true and will be missed. You very much left a legacy on earth because of your faith in God.

~ Ty Garrelts Lincoln
February 4, 2015


-Larry, Heath & Ronan, we love you and pray for you as you travel these next days, weeks and months. Judy was a very special person and we love you all as we remember her and the legacy she has left behind.

~ Dean & Judy Knoxville, TN 37920
February 3, 2015


-Over my life time I have known many godly women but Judy stands out like a bright star. She was loving, compassionate and shared the word of God all around the world. She never missed a day sending birthday and anniversary greetings to everyone she knew. She shared her life in all the pictures she took, we were able to feel like we were there with her. I feel very blessed to have had her in my life. She will be missed.

~ Nancy Reina Bakersfield , Ca.
February 3, 2015


-Dear Larry and family of Judy

We graduated from EB together, and it's her smile I remember best. So much was reflected in it - love, warmth, appreciation of life. Sometimes I wonder how I would live my life, if it was to be redone. I can't think of a better way than to do what Judy has done. It would be a feat most difficult.

Love and very special thoughts to all of you.

~ Susie Burnett Bakersfield
February 3, 2015


-Our deepest sympathy - With our Lord's Blessing - from Cousin,Charles W Buss and family including Linda(Buss)& husband Steve Scheierman, Gloria (Buss) Smith and grandaughter, Nellie Smith all living in good old Nebraska.

~ Cousin, Charles W Buss Hastings, Adams County, Nebraska
February 3, 2015


-Larry,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Heath, Ronan, their families, Judy's Mom and all the rest of her extended family. May God bless and keep all of you in His loving arms.

~ Duane, Linda & Krystal Redlands, Ca
February 3, 2015


-RIP Woman of GOD, and may almighty God keep your family.

~ Jacqueline PD Parkside Community Nairobi
February 3, 2015


-Will always remember your friendship got this transplanted student.

~ Valerie Sanford Mccollum Anderson, Indiana
February 3, 2015


-We will all miss Judy. Her smile and enthusiasm for life and all those around her made her one of God's special people. Bless you, Larry, and the entire family at this time of sorrow. We all know she is now with God

~ Lee Hammett, Blackfoot, Idaho