Laferne Alyce Foster

LaFerne Alyce (Wakeman) Foster, 90, of Chebanse passed away on Monday, July 11, 2022 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee after a short illness. She was born on December 26, 1931 in Kankakee, the daughter of Earl Spies and Blanche Beatrice (Tuttle) Wakeman. She married Leonard Gene Foster in Kankakee on October 8, 1950.

LaFerne was born and raised in Kankakee. She moved to Chebanse with her husband Gene after his return from Korea. She is a long-time member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Kankakee where she volunteered for many committees and worked as a secretary for a few years. She retired from Olivet Nazarene University where she worked as the national direct student loan officer. After retirement, the couple enjoyed being snowbirds in Florida. They resided in Leesburg and recently Largo, Florida each winter. She loved spending time with family. LaFerne had one daughter, three grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and over forty nieces and nephews. She was also very proud of her friendships and highly valued all of her friends.

She is survived by her husband of seventy-one years, Leonard Gene Foster; daughter, Kathleen (John T.) Orton of Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Pastor John R. (Amanda) Orton of Palatine, IL, Kristine (Dr. Bernard) Nartey of Mequon, WI, Kimberly Orton of Chicago; great grandchildren, Liliana, Joanna, and Micah Nartey; and sister, Joyce Wakeman Harrod of Jacksonville, FL.

LaFerne was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Duane Wakeman.

Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 am on Monday, July 18, 2022 at Immanuel Baptist Church (1300 W. Hawkins St.) in Kankakee.

Funeral services will take place at 11:00 am immediately following the visitation. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse after the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bible Witness Camp (1609 E. 2500 S. Rd. Pembroke Township, IL 60958) via check.

Please share a memory of LaFerne at knappfuneralhomes.com.