Laura J. Utter, 95 years and still feisty, a resident of Jacksonville, and formerly of Mt. Sterling and Springfield, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Grove in Jacksonville.

Laura was born June 3, 1928, in Mt. Sterling, IL, the daughter of the late Charles Nicholas and Elsie Mae Keemer Kaiser.

She is survived by a daughter, Linda Strutz (Jim) of Springfield; and two sons, Robert Utter (Sandy) of Sheridan, WY and Steve Utter (Lisa) of Gilbert, AZ; nine grandchildren, Doug, David, Jennifer, Katie, Michael, Patty, Isaac, Maggie and Anna; and 14 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Nancy Bradbury (surviving husband, Keith (Maryjane)) of Jacksonville, her siblings, Mary Armstrong, Bill Kiser, and John Kiser, and her former husband, Robert Utter.

Laura was a 1946 graduate of Mt. Sterling High School and attended Culver-Stockton College. She was employed 19 years at Federated Funeral Directors of America in Springfield, retiring in 1997.

She was formerly active in several organizations while residing in Mt. Sterling and thoroughly enjoyed playing bridge and reading. She was most recently a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville. Laura always had a warm smile and a ready laugh to greet family and friends. Beyond all else, Laura was "Family First".

Private family committal services will be held at Liberty Cemetery, west of Jacksonville. There will be no visitation. Memorial gifts are suggested to Ken Bradbury Foundation or First Presbyterian Church. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is caring for the Utter family.