Published on April 28, 2025 6:11 am
Last Updated on April 28, 2025 7:04 am
Vera R. Keplar, 87, of Effingham, IL, went peacefully on to be with the Lord on Friday, April 25, 2025 with her daughter at her side at Willowbrook Memory Support Residences in Effingham.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in Effingham. Burial will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Effingham. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025 prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church in Effingham or the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Vera was born on November 15, 1937, in Effingham, IL, the daughter of Paul L. and Julia (Calvert) Ramsey. Vera’s passion was teaching art. She started her career as a graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Art Education and continued her learning at the University of Illinois earning a Master’s in Art. She taught art for 38 years at Effingham High School. Prior to teaching at EHS, she taught one year at Newton and one year in Champaign. Her passion also included teaching at Lake Land Junior College Kluthe Center for over 40 years which involved instructing in art appreciation to college students and oil painting to adults. Her love was working with oil paints and drawing. Her enthusiasm inspired her to continue teaching until she was 82. With her deep knowledge of art and her passion for teaching, she imparted her love of art to all who knew her. When not teaching, Vera loved going to plays and musicals. She used to play the clarinet in high school band. She LOVED to sing, especially at church! She loved spending time outdoors with her family. Always a night owl, you would find her watching her favorite shows while reading. She shopped till she dropped and enjoyed Black Friday and garage sales! Sundays after church she would spend time with her two local nieces and daughter. She enjoyed spending her birthdays in Branson as well as visiting family and friends out of state. Vera had a deep belief in teaching young children about Jesus and His love for all. She taught Sunday School from the time she was 18 years old until her early 80s at the First Baptist Church.
Vera is survived by her daughter, Kristine Keplar of Effingham who will deeply miss her; her sisters, Regina Krause of Madison, Mississippi and Susan Niebrugge of Effingham; and brothers, David (Libby) Ramsey of Farina, IL and John (Connie) Ramsey of Belleville, Michigan.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A special thank you to her dedicated and loving personal caregivers Beth, Arlene, Margie, & Rose as well as the devoted and caring staff at Willowbrook Memory Support Residences.