Dorothy Kraus
Belleville | Save
Dorothy A. Kraus, nee Ramsey, 82, of Belleville, IL, born February 16, 1943, at home on the family farm, in Marissa, IL, died Sunday, October 19, 2025, at her residence surrounded by loved ones.
Dorothy was an active member of St. Teresa Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, and a frequent visitor at the United Methodist Church in Marissa, IL. She was a founding member of the St. Teresa Ladies Quilters and previously served as co-chair of St. Teresa Bereavement Committee. Dorothy was a member and past President of the St. Teresa Perpetual Help Women’s Club. She enjoyed reading and was a member of St. Teresa’s Good Goats Book Club (soon to be renamed the Good Sheep at Dorothy’s suggestion), and the Billie Book Club which meets in Marissa.
When Dorothy’s children were in school, she was active in the Mother’s Club, and a Girl Scout leader. Dorothy was a devoted grandmother and loved each grandchild dearly. She had a sense of adventure and was eager to travel anywhere she was asked to spend time with family and friends. After Dorothy’s children were grown she became a skilled licensed massage therapist practicing in local spas until retirement.
Dorothy loved to dance. She and her very dear friend and companion Ray Kilman enjoyed dancing very much at local Senior Citizen Dances, etc. as well as visiting treasured friends at the Marissa Senior Center and the Marissa United Methodist Church. It was a joy to watch Dorothy and Ray Jitterbug, Cha Cha, Fox Trot, Waltz and even an occasional line dance.
She was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Nicholas Henry Kraus; her parents, Rosel and Catherine, nee Voytas, Ramsey; and two dear siblings, Eileen Little and Larry Ramsey.
Surviving are her daughter, Donna (Paul) Luebbers; two sons, Rod (Jill) Kraus and Guy (Sheri) Kraus; four grandchildren, Joseph Kraus, Augie Luebbers, Allison Kraus (Josh Piper), and Olivia Kraus; two brothers, John and Ray Ramsey; her very dear friend, Ray Kilman; and many dear cousins, nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers: Joseph Kraus, Augie Luebbers, Josh Piper, Jeff Kraus, Doug Little, Russell Little and Ron Ramsey.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Teresa’s SVDP (St. Vincent De Paul Society who supports the local poor and needy, not based on religious affiliation) or the Marissa Giving Garden (Food Pantry). Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, October 25, 2025, at St. Teresa Catholic Church, 1201 Lebanon Avenue, Belleville, IL 62221.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 25, 2025, St. Teresa Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Fr. Joseph Oganda officiating.
Burial will be at Marissa Township Cemetery, Marissa, IL starting at 3:00 pm.
Renner Funeral Home
