Julia M. “Jules” Otter, 79, Hays, died Monday, November 28, 2022, at Brookdale Hays surrounded by her family.
She was born October 26, 1943, in Colby, the daughter of Cleo and Leone (Mottin) Anderson. On June 12, 1963, she was united in marriage to Gerard A. Otter in Selden, and he preceded her in death on August 17, 1988. She was a former member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Selden and the Sacred Heart Altar Society. Julia attended Fort Hays State University, beauty school in McCook, Nebraska, and Colby Community College. She worked at Decatur County Hospital as a CNA and for six years at Wal-Mart. While raising her children, Julia was involved with 4-H, Girl Scouts, and taught catechism. She was an avid KU Basketball and KC Chiefs fan, loved cats, stray animals, quilting, sewing, crafting, and embroidery. With her big heart, Julia generously helped others, was genuine, accepting, embraced underdogs, and sprinkled in a little bit of colorful language along the way.
Survivors include her son: Bruce C. Otter and wife Sara of Englewood, CO, three daughters: Kelly Otter Jorgensen and husband Blake of Ottawa, Pamela Gassmann of Olathe, and Traci Ditter and husband Aaron of Hays, two sisters: Connie Bryan and husband Joel of Scott City and Lorraine Ackerman and husband Gerald of Montana, eight grandchildren: Carlyn Lemon and husband Jess, Darrah Steffen and husband Dylan, Kinley Jorgensen and fiancé Myles, Austin Gassmann, Dylan Gassmann and significant other Carter, Lakin Ditter and significant other Brandon, Loganne Ditter, and Gillian Otter, three great grandchildren: Amara Lemon, Anderson Lemon, and Julia Gassmann, and her beloved cat Crosby.
She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather: Francis Porsch, husband: Gerard, a brother-in-law: Robert Rogers, and many cats, too numerous to name (although she could name them all).
Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on Friday, December 16, 2022, at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Ron DeVore officiating. Inurnment will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 17, 2022, in Selden Cemetery, Selden. The family will receive friends from 9:30 am until service time on Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the Humane Society of the High Plains or to Brookdale Hays. Condolences and memories of Julia may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com