Shirley J. Laughbaum

Shirley J. (Nickols) Laughbaum, age 97, of Howard, Ohio (formerly of Galion, Athens, Lancaster, and Columbus, OH) passed on in her spiritual journey on Monday, December 15, 2025 at the Knox County Country Club rehabilitation center in Mount Vernon, OH. She was born in Crawford County, Ohio, daughter of the late John and Clara (Seitz) Nickols. She was a banker in her hometown of Galion, Ohio during her younger years, and the loving wife of Allen R. Laughbaum - celebrating 70 years of marriage before his passing on Sept 4, 2021. She is survived by her children, Bruce A. Laughbaum, Marsha [David (Tim) deceased] K. Traub, Randall [Jane] L. Laughbaum and Rae Jeanne [Ted] Shaffer, and enjoyed an extended family that included 10 grandchildren (two deceased) and their spouses/life mates, 14 great grandchildren (one on the way and one deceased) and their spouses/life mates, along with a great great grandson. Besides her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by two sisters. Shirley was a compassionate soul who would often open her home to religious exchange students and family members. She loved to camp, travel, play bridge, sew, play music, read, do crafts, and play games. Most recently, she spent many hours engaging in wordplay and sticker books. Her playful nature and humor - often reciting silly old songs and poems - will be sorely missed, leaving a large hole in the lives of all whom she touched. Private entombment will be held 2:00 pm Monday, December 22, 2025 at Fairview Memorial Gardens, Rockbridge, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a dementia organization of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Schoedinger East.