Julia Lynn Shepherd (Erickson), 65, of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Born on April 30, 1960, in Oberlin, Kansas, Julia was the daughter of Eugene and Lorraine (Gaider) Shepherd and the sixth of eight siblings. In keeping with her lifelong spirit of generosity, Julia chose to donate parts of her body, passing forward the blessing of life and healing that was gifted to her.

A woman of determination and lifelong learning, Julia attended school in Bennington and Concordia before graduating from Concordia High School. Her vibrant spirit was evident early on as a cheerleader and a member of a state-championship volleyball team. She went on to earn her barber’s license and later achieved a bachelor’s degree from Manhattan Christian College. After years of service as a barber, Julia transitioned into real estate, eventually opening her own business, At Home Real Estate, after working alongside her sister, Karen & Duane Lewis at Landmark Realty.

Julia married David Erickson on January 21, 1978. Together, they raised six children: Evan, Jordan, Braden, Tiffany, Calen, and Aaron. Her family was her greatest pride.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. A former member of the Concordia Wesleyan Church and later a member of the Women of Faith, Julia shared her heart through numerous public speaking engagements. She found great joy in the arts, lending her voice to the church choir and nurturing a lifelong love for music, dance and the arts.

Julia was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Lorraine; her brother, Kenny Shepherd; and her sister, Laurie Wright.

She is survived by her six children: Evan Erickson and Braden Erickson of Kansas City, MO; Jordan (Esther) Erickson, Tiffany Erickson, and Aaron Erickson of Manhattan, KS; and Calen (Meagan) Erickson of Overland Park, KS. She also leaves behind her three cherished grandchildren, Nora, Mina, and Marcus Erickson, and five siblings: Pat Carrico, Paula Riggs, Ron Shepherd, Karen Lewis, and Greg Shepherd.

A service of Grateful Gathering will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Concordia Wesleyan Church in Concordia, KS, with Pastor Bob Burns and Melanie Loyd (Miller) officiating. A burial will precede the service at 9:30 a.m.for immediate family and close friends at Oakland Union Cemetery in Miltonvale, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family strongly suggests memorial contributions be made at her Ever Loved memorial page. https://everloved.com/life-of/julia-erickson/