Laura J. Hare

Laura Jo was born in Kansas City, MO on January 26, 1951. “Button” was the affectionate nickname given to her by her father. She was the youngest of six children born to Mildred Eileen and Leroy Francis Winnie. Leroy was an electrician for Local Union 124 in Kansas City, MO. His work led them to many different states across the country. The entire family travelled for two years and lived in Colorado, Arizona, California, and Oregon before returning to the Kansas City area for the remainder of her childhood. She graduated from Ruskin High School in Kansas City, MO. She attended Central Missouri State College for one semester. Afterwords, she entered the working world as a clerk at the License Bureau. She was later a teller at Yellow Freight System Credit Union. She became a proud member of the United States Army on August 8, 1974. At Fort Leonard Wood she met a young soldier named Bennett C. Hare III. They were wed December 23, 1974. She was honorably discharged after the birth of her son, Joshua David. Bennetts’ Army career gave them the opportunity to travel to Germany, where they had three tours. These years were among the happiest of their military time. They made life-long friendships and thoroughly enjoyed raising Joshua there. In Germany she met Kathy Osterfeld, Pam Cline, Connie Opien, and Margie Scharf. After returning to the United States they settled in Radcliff, KY. Laura worked as a transcriptionist at Hardin Memorial Hospital. There she met Sadie Lawson and they became close friends. After Bennett’s retirement, they moved to his hometown of Port St. Lucie, FL in 1996. There she continued her career in medical transcription. After 2 years they moved to Indianapolis, IN for one year. In an effort to be closer to her beloved family they moved to Kansas City in 1999 and eventually settled into their retirement home in Lone Jack, MO. She had many friends at her last job CVS Caremark. She spent a great deal of time with her Mother, Mildred, Sister, Susan, Brother, Richard, and his family.

She was an avid crafter and home decorator. Christmas was her favorite holiday and she especially enjoyed decorating for the holidays. Shopping for and giving gifts was a great joy for Laura. One of her greatest prides was watching her son achieve his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. She was happiest when spending time with her family and her grandchildren in particular. She enjoyed writing stories about the adventures of her grandsons. When her granddaughter was born it was one of the greatest surprises of her life. Laura spent nearly every vacation day with her son and his family. Watching the kids play sports, or go to school events was especially important to her. One of her favorite sayings was, “Live, Laugh, Love.” Each day she lived by this motto and tried to spread compassion, happiness and optimism by her actions.

Laura Jo is preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Rance David, and her sister-in-laws Mona and Mary. Laura Jo is survived by her husband, Bennett, her son, Joshua, and wife, Shannon, and her three grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Susan, and brother, Richard, of the home. She will be greatly missed by her surviving friends and family. The light and joy she brought to everyone will never be extinguished.