Judith Ann Kalbas

Funeral services for Judith Ann Kalbas, 72, of Paige, Texas will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 9, 2024 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Serbin with Rev. John Schmidt officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Monday, December 9, 2024 from 7:00 am until 8:00 am at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings. The family will be present from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Judith Ann (Oltmann) Kalbas, age 72, entered into her eternal rest in the Lord, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. She was ushered into eternal life by her family, who surrounded her in the days, hours, and moments before her death, singing to her all her favorite hymns.
Judith was born September 17, 1952 to Ben and Ruby (Patschke) Oltmann of Serbin, Texas. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Serbin, where she was a life-long member and attended Lutheran school there until the eighth grade. In 1970, she graduated from Giddings High School and worked briefly in Austin and later at City Hall in Giddings.
The most defining aspect of her earthly life was the family and life together that she built with her husband of 44 years, Larry Kalbas. Judy and Larry started out as friends, hanging out at the Blue Sunsets dances and practices. But the Lord had bigger plans for them: They later married on November 1, 1980 and were blessed with three sons-Aaron, Joseph and Jordan.
Judy helped Larry build a successful business, which started in the barn near their house, but later became Paige Tractors off of Hwy 290. Judy spent many years as the Vice President and Secretary of Paige Tractors and even after her health declined, she always enjoyed coming to the office every day to greet customers as they came through the front door. Her family often teased her about how much she loved talking and visiting with people. Judith was an active member of the LWML, a Sunday School Teacher and a LYF Counselor. She especially loved hosting Camp Kalbas.
Judy's greatest joy was her family. She adored her grandchildren-twelve of them-and was adored by them. She loved and cherished her daughters-in-law. She never let any amount of pain or discomfort keep her from being part of every family gathering, special occasion, and holiday.
Her greatest trials in life were the struggles of living almost thirty years with Multiple Sclerosis and later, bladder cancer. Yet, through her love and faith in Christ, she let her light and joy shine through these struggles, even on the toughest days. She was an inspiration in this way. For everyone who knew her, she gave witness to the truth of what is said in Romans 8:18 "that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Indeed, it was her faith and love for Jesus that made this possible and taught her that she "could do all things through Him" who gave her strength (Philippians 4:13).
She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Jimmy Oltmann. She is survived by her sister and best friend, Lois (Oltmann) Kalbas, her husband, Larry, and her three sons and their families-Aaron and wife, Pam, of Hamilton, Texas and their five children, Ellie, Ethan, Eli, Lonnie and Lillie; Joseph and wife, Kalen, of Serbin, Texas and their three children, Cole, Madilyn, and Gracelyn; Jordan and wife, Lacey, of Hutto, Texas and their four children, Henry, Ruby, Gwyn and Eva. She is also survived by many beloved brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law-Johnny Kalbas (husband to her sister, Lois), Janet Oltmann (wife of her brother, Jimmy), James and Kathy Kalbas, Sherwin and Janie Siegmund, Leroy and Sandra Kalbas-and numerous nieces and nephews. Judy loved them all and she was thankful for the blessings of a large family.
Pallbearers will be Henry Kalbas, Ethan Kalbas, Cole Kalbas, Eli Kalbas, Lonnie Kalbas, and Seth Kalbas.
The family is grateful for the outpouring of love and sympathy from friends and the community.
Memorials can be made to St. Paul Lutheran Tuition Fund or St. Paul Lutheran Church in Serbin.