Judy Kramer

Judy was born April 29, 1939, in Jacksonville, IL, the daughter of William Andrew and Grace (Cloyd) Foster. She married Fred L. Kramer on August 18, 1963, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Springfield.

Judy grew up on a farm near Thayer and graduated from Virden High School in 1957. She was a farmer all her life and worked side by side with Fred running their family farm. She loved nature and was happiest when she was working on the farm, operating the combine, checking the crops, and cultivating her beautiful flower gardens. Her farm and family were of primary importance, and she loved spending time with both. When her girls were still at home, Judy maintained a large vegetable garden and fruit trees to preserve the produce she used to prepare bountiful home cooked meals. She sewed the family’s clothing, curtains, bedding and continuously updated her home which she and Fred built entirely themselves. Judy enjoyed fashion and shoes and always looked beautiful whether she was stepping out of the combine in her flannel shirt or stepping out for the evening. She loved to travel especially in the mountains out west. Judy and Fred traveled frequently with their children and families across the country and to Canada and Costa Rica. An especially fond trip was through the interior of Alaska with all of their children and grandchildren in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. Judy was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Riverton, where she served as treasurer for many years. She also knew God in nature, finding Him in the flowers, birds, and trees. Her appreciation for the natural world around her was in the fiber of her being.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Stephen Foster.

Judy is survived by her husband, Fred Kramer of Sherman; daughters, Dana (Kent) Weatherby of Springfield, Lisa (Darren Forgy) Kramer of Columbia, IL, and Gina (Marcus) Stewart of Springfield; grandchildren, Cole, Luke, Adam, Jacob, Dallas, Savannah, Dior, and Lyla; siblings, Nancy (Tom) Shehan of Riverton and Charles (Judy) Foster of Thayer; her nephew who considered her like a second mother, Stephen Foster of Springfield; and several other nieces and nephews.

A private family graveside ceremony will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Springfield, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702 or Lincoln Memorial Gardens, 2301 East Lake Shore Dr., Springfield, IL 62712.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.