Judith Naeter

Judith Emery Naeter of Cape Girardeau passed away, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and other loved ones, at 5:35 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, after a brief illness. Judi was born Judith Ann Emery on July 17, 1939, in Carlinville, Illinois, the only child of Merle and Dorothy Emery. Her early childhood was spent in the Greenfield and Carrollton, Illinois, area, surrounded by many cousins and a large extended family. In 1955, she moved with her family to Cape Girardeau, when her father accepted a position at KFVS radio and television stations. Judi graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1957. During those years, she formed many close and lasting friendships, many of which endured throughout her life. It was also during this time that she met Robert "Bob" Naeter, and they were married in August 1958. Following Bob's brief enlistment in the United States Air Force, the couple returned to Cape Girardeau to make their home and raise their children. She began her long career as a personal assistant, in 1976 with Bob, at A.B. Dick Products, then moving on to Colonial Federal Savings and Loan and concluding at Rust Communications. During her time at the Southeast Missourian, she not only served as receptionist, executive assistant to the publishers, but also served as local secretary for then-state Sen. Peter Kinder, and as personal executive assistant to Gary Rust. She was actively involved in numerous clubs and organizations in Cape Girardeau. She volunteered at the Capaha Park Rose Garden in the late 1960s and early 1970s. She enjoyed being a PTA member and room mother at Jefferson School, and she was an excellent Girl Scout leader. Judi served as a Cape County Republican Precinct Committee member and, for many years, was an active member of the Cape Girardeau Republican Women's Club, where she helped to organize Lincoln Days. She participated in many local and statewide political campaigns, the highlight of which was serving as a delegate to the 1976 Republican National Convention in Kansas City. Judi was a confirmed member of Christ Episcopal Church for more than 70 years and served in many lay positions throughout that time. She especially enjoyed serving as a greeter, as it allowed her to visit with everyone she met. Above all else, Judi cherished time spent with her family and friends. Whether decorating for every holiday, preparing meals for gatherings or riding the pontoon boat on Kentucky Lake, she found her greatest joy in being surrounded by those she loved, sharing laughter and making memories. She is survived by three children, Christina (Pat) Dougherty, Denise Hutchison and Stephen (Andlle) Naeter; and four grandchildren, Courtney (Clint) Smothers, Emery (Dagon) Williams, Bentley Naeter (fiance Paul Mier) and Miles Naeter. Judi was preceded in death by her parents, Merle and Dorothy Emery; former husband, Bob Naeter; her son-in-law, Gary Tanksley; and son-in-law, Richard Hutchison. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at Christ Episcopal Church, 101 Fountain St. in Cape Girardeau. Memorial service will follow immediately, with the Rev. Robert Towner officiating. Entombment will be at the Christ Episcopal Church columbarium. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to Tunnel to Towers, Southeast Missouri Pets or any charity of your choice. May the Lord bless her and keep her. She will be deeply missed. Ford & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Tributes

Judith Naeter

July 17, 1939 - December 30, 2025