Judith Ann Loter, 86, of Hamilton, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at her home in Hamilton. 

 

Judith was born on February 12, 1937, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Laurance K. and Edith J. (Alberts) Frakes. She was a lifelong resident of the tri-state area, attending Keokuk schools and graduating from Keokuk High School and Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, Illinois. On December 25, 1954, she married Charles O. Laisle, of this union a daughter was born. They later divorced. On September 15, 1957, she married Charles L. Davis, they later divorced. On November 4, 1960, she was united in marriage to Robert M. Loter, and together they raised three children, daughters Jackie and Leisa and a son Todd. 

 

Judith began her lifetime career as a caregiver at St. Joseph Hospital as a volunteer candy-striper. At the age of sixteen she was employed by the hospital. Over the years she had been employed by St. Joseph and Graham Hospitals, Keokuk Area Hospital Support Services, Kast Metals, Keokuk Steel Castings and as a working manager of Our Home until its closing, an assisted living facility in Hamilton. Judith then tried retirement, but soon became bored and returned to the workforce, becoming self-employed as a personal assistant providing care for those in need. She retired at the age of eighty, and that summer she painted the exterior of her home. She was a good friend and neighbor to many. Judith enjoyed working in her many beautiful flower gardens. She and her husband Bob kept their lawn well-manicured, and even during the winter the sidewalks were clean, and all sticks and branches were picked up. Judith was an excellent seamstress, giving credit to her mother for teaching her at the age of nine, and assisting in making dresses for her sisters and herself. She altered many wedding gowns and formal wear, sometimes the day of the event. Her family was the most important thing to her, and she enjoyed having them all over for meals, and celebrating birthdays and holidays. Judith was an active member of the Catholic Church of All Saints in Keokuk, serving for many years on the committees for the fall festival and funeral dinners. 

 

Judith is survived by her daughters Jackie Householder of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Leisa (Jerry) McCredie of Eutis, Florida; her son Todd Loter of Hamilton, Illinois; nine grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, one sister-in-law; her beloved best friend Wilma Emmerson; and many nieces and nephews.

 

Judith is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert Loter, two brothers and one sister. 

 

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

 

Memorials may be directed to Habitat for Humanity.

Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.

 

Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.