Laura C Haven

Laura, a native Las Vegan, was born October 1, 1960 to Paul J. (P.J.) and Norma Christensen. She grew up on Lacy Lane where her Grandparents, M.J. and Hazel Christensen, and many of her cousins, Aunts and Uncles also lived. Laura attended Howard Wasden Elementary, Hyde Park Jr. High and Ed. W. Clark High School. A valiant member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, during high school she attended 4 years of early morning seminary–the only young woman of her age group in her ward to do so. She also graduated with honors at Clark although she was nearly a year younger than most of her grade.

In the summer of 1978, still 17 but newly graduated, she met the love of her life, S. Craig Haven, at the 9th Ward on West Charleston Blvd. A recently returned missionary, Craig immediately began courting Laura. As things grew serious, Laura insisted Craig ask her father if she could become engaged to him. Once approval was properly granted, Laura (who was listening in from another room) and Craig began making plans for an April 10, 1979 marriage in the St. George LDS temple. While engaged, Laura completed one semester at BYU. This year, she and Craig, celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary.

For the remainder of her life, Laura, with Craig by her side, lived and worked in Las Vegas. She worked at M.J. Christensen Jewelry Store, moving to Solomon Smith Barney when the jewelry store was sold Eventually she began working at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority where she worked until 2020. Her last position was with MSTS, a company that works at Nevada Test Site.

In 1980, Laura gave birth to their first son, Steven Craig Haven, Jr., followed by Benjamin Lee Haven in 1984. On her 40th birthday, Laura was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent successful, but challenging, surgery, radiation and chemo treatments. During this time, she had just returned to school at UNLV. Determined, despite cancer, to obtain a diploma, Laura graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in business administration from UNLV in 2001. She also supported Craig while he completed his university degree in 1985.

Laura had a great love for children and served in primary for many, many years as chorister, pianist, and finally president. She made pillow cases for primary children to give them on their 8th birthday. Each one said “I am a Child of God.” She made so many that only this week, her ward primary had finally given away all but one pillow case–which they returned to her husband. After her primary service, she served in the Stake Relief Society Presidency for several years. Laura loved to quilt, sew, and crochet and enjoyed helping others learn these skills. Like her mother, she freely used her talents to donate to dozens of humanitarian projects.

In 2012, Laura became a grandmother to Isabell and delighted in sharing as much time with her as she could. A Disneyland devotee, she made several journeys there with her family. On their 25th wedding anniversary, she and Craig celebrated in Maui.

Laura is survived by her mother, Norma, her husband, Craig, son, Steven, granddaughter Isabell, two brothers, Lee and James, and one sister, Paula, as well as nieces and nephews. A viewing will be held Friday, December 9th, 4-8 pm, at Palm Mortuary, 7400 West Cheyenne Ave. Funeral Services will be Saturday, December 10th, 10 am, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5750 North Cimarron, Las Vegas. Immediately following the funeral, a graveside service will be at Memory Gardens, Lone Mountain Cemetery, 7251 W. Lone Mountain Road, Las Vegas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmcheyenne.com for the Haven family.