Kathleen Fay Foster Laboray, 70, of Litchfield, died on Jan. 9, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength and inspiration. She lived her life with purpose, touching many hearts and encouraging others to embrace each day with kindness and courage.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, Jan. 17, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mt. Olive. A luncheon followed the service.
Ms. Foster worked as a physical therapist and retired from Carlinville Area Hospital, where she dedicated her career to helping others heal and improve their quality of life. Her longtime companion was Charlie Kruep, with whom she shared a deep love of horseback riding. Together, along with their horses, Queenie and Chik, they traveled many, many miles throughout the Shawnee National Forest, creating treasured memories along the way. She and her beloved labrador, Buster, shared a passion for hiking and logged countless miles together in the Shawnee National Forest and at Lake Lou Yaeger. There wasn’t a cave Buster wouldn’t explore or a rock he wouldn’t climb alongside her.
She also loved winter adventures and enjoyed snow skiing and snowshoeing with friends, often traveling across several states to experience the beauty of the outdoors she cherished so deeply.
Ms. Foster is survived by her loving family, including her mother, Jessie Foster; twin sister, Karen (Bill) Hinz; sister, Vickie Laughlin; nieces, Jami Hinz, Jenny (Hinz) Padgett, Jillian (Nick) Hinz and Marisa (spouse, Mike) (Laughlin) Risch; nephews, Jacob (Marissa) Laughlin, Stevie Foster and Brett Foster; stepchildren, Nicki Laboray-Goss, Graig Laboray and Ronnie Laboray; granddaughter, Alex (Andrew) Lesicko; great-grandson, Beau; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and her beloved labrador, Buster.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents; father, Major Stanly Foster; brother, Steven Foster; and brother-in-law, Roger Laughlin.
Memorials may be made to HSHS Hospice, Bremer Sanctuary or Adopt-A-Pet.
