Kristy K. Lutze

Kristy K. Lutze, age 70, of Republic, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025 in Springfield, Missouri with her children by her side. Kristy's passing leaves a void in the hearts of her husband James A. Lutze, family, friends, and the fellow Deaf community, but her life was full of love, joy, adventure, and a passion for Jesus Christ. Kristy was a beautiful soul known for her radiant smile, kindness, and fun, courageous spirit. As of woman of faith, her love for life, people, and all of God's creations were evident in everything she did. She was a sweet daughter, special sister, wonderful friend, incredible mother, cute little grandmother, and precious wife.
Kristy was born December 12, 1954 in Naperville, Illinois to Lorraine and Bruce Godar. At the age of three, she began to lose her hearing, but that didn't slow Kristy down at all. She had a good childhood growing up in La Grange, IL in a neighborhood full of other children with whom she played with alongside her siblings nearly every day. She attended weekly Sunday school, yearly summer camps, and enjoyed several family vacations at the lake in Wauconda. Extended family gatherings, picnics, and holiday parties were frequent and memorable. Kristy is remembered as a cherished friend and kept friends throughout her adult life from her childhood. She also made countless more friends along the way. She graduated with the class of 1974 from Hinsdale South High School and took jobs after graduation working in the hospital, and later a clerical position at International Harvester. However, she felt a calling by the Lord to leave Illinois and attend Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. There, Kristy was able to further devote her life to Christ. She also learned how to communicate by American Sign Language, opening a whole new world to her. She met and married the father of her children, Joel D. Shiver. Together they raised their children in Willard, Missouri. Her children remember growing up in a house where Mom was always encouraging, positive, and forgiving. Her love for God, art, and nature always shined.
Kristy lived a life of deep Christian faith as a member of Ozark Mountain Deaf Church and her involvement in women's ministries. She loved studying and sharing God's word along with praising Him through song. She cherished every day. Her life reflected her creativity, adventurous spirit, and caring nature. Kristy's creative talents and activities were vast-she was an artist, jewelry maker, flower and vegetable gardener, avid hiker, and camper. In her free time, she would craft, paint, sew, hand-make gifts, do puzzles, read, enjoy birdwatching, write worship songs, play games, and find new recipes. "Something different. Something fun," she would often say. Kristy had a passion for exploring the world, and her travels took her to Nicaragua for a mission trip; Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Alaska via cruises; Europe (twice!); many national parks including Yellowstone and Yosemite; as well as, quite often hiking throughout the Ozarks.
Kristy is survived by her husband of over seven years, James A. Lutze; children, Jill Whitman and Delbert Shiver and their spouses Scott Whitman and Megan Shiver; step-children, Janet, Mitchell, Douglas, and Steven Lutze and his spouse Meaghan Lutze; grandchildren Benjamin and Raleigh Whitman, Elijah and Kaiden Shiver, and many step-grandchildren; siblings, Jeff Godar and Penny Godar; and many other family members who will remember her fondly. She is preceded in death by her parents, Bruce and Lorraine Godar, and her half-brother, Greg Godar.
Kristy will be forever remembered for her beautiful smile, her loving heart, her creative spirit, and her unwavering faith. May her memory inspire all who knew her to live with the same passion, love, and faith that she exemplified every day. In her final moments, Kristy's life continued to reflect her enduring love for God and others. Her personal message to those who knew her was simple yet profound: "Trust in Jesus."
Visitation will be held 1:00-3:00 PM, Friday, April 11, 2025, at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, 2001 W. Walnut Lawn St., in Springfield. Funeral services will begin at 3:00 PM, with Pastors Mike Hartman and Kevin Babin officiating. After the services, Ozark Mountain Deaf Church will host a repast dinner for family and friends.
Care has been entrusted to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory.