Judith Ann Fears, 81, of Arnold, formerly of Festus and Hillsboro, died April 4, 2025, at her home. Ms. Fears retired as a housekeeping manager at Holiday Inn in South County. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Crystal City and is remembered for her strong faith. She loved spending time with and caring for family, traveling, especially visiting loved ones in Florida and California, and listening to Elvis. Born Nov. 22, 1943, in St. Louis, she was the daughter of the late Rose (Fiorini) and Marvin Gatermann.
She is survived by six children: Jeff Fears of Festus, Chris (Kellie) Fears of Hillsboro, Tim (Stacey) Fears of Sebring, Fla., David (Kris) Fears of Barnhart, Cindy Fitzpatrick of Arnold and Jason Fears of St. Louis; a brother: Richard (Ellen) Gatermann of Tampa, Fla.; 11 grandchildren: Jacob, Jordan, Lindsey, Josh, Magen, Kay, Sam, Connor, Dillon (Tyeisha), Kayla (Jon) and Caleb; nine great-grandchildren Abigail, Myla, Val, Hailie, Brice, Zoe, Levi, Aria and Maria; and numerous other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by a sister: Pat (the late Jim) Nuelle; and a grandson: Shane.
Visitation is scheduled from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, April 10, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, April 11, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 555 Bailey Road, in Crystal City, officiated by Father Steve Lian. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to Friends of Kids with Cancer. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.