At approximately three or four years of age, Laura and her family moved to Duncan, Oklahoma, when Clyde was transferred by Lone Star Gas.
Laura graduated from Duncan High School and then studied at Baylor Dental College. In 1964, she became the first Registered Dental Hygienist in Abilene, Texas. Except for a six-year break, she continued practicing until 2006.
Laura met Jim Reinbolt in 1966 when he was assigned to Dyess Air Force Base to fly C-130s. Two months later, they became engaged, and four months after that, they were married on December 10, 1966, at the Presbyterian Church in Duncan, Oklahoma, where Laura had received her spiritual upbringing.
In 1970, they settled in Abilene, Texas. In 1973, God performed a miraculous healing in Laura, through which Tiffany Lyn was born.
From a very early age, Laura enjoyed reading. She would walk to the library to check out four books, and the following week, she would return for four more. She began babysitting at the age of 11 or 12.
Laura was a good seamstress and made several pieces of clothing for herself and Jim. She could knit and crochet, but her true passion was cross-stitching. She won Best of Show for her work at fairs in Abilene and Lubbock and earned first place at the Texas State Fair. Many people were blessed to receive her beautiful, handcrafted works.
Laura sacrificed much as the wife of a Vietnam veteran. Later, she gave up her home and moved out of town so that Jim could begin preaching full-time in the Methodist Church. For six years, she drove 120 miles round trip each day from Aspermont, Texas, before she finally retired.
Laura was preceded in her trip to glory by her parents, her younger sister, Linda Stafford, and her brother-in-law, Dr. Bill Barclay.
She is survived by her husband, Jim; her daughter, Tiffany Lyn Garcia (Thomas); her sister, Lana Barclay; her brother, Lewis Stansell (Marsha); her brother-in-law, Terry Stafford; and her nieces and nephews.
Laura’s earthly life ended on October 25, 2026, at the age of 82 years, 8 months, and 5 days.
Visitation will be held at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South, Abilene, TX 79606, US, on October 29, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
A Funeral Service will take place at Wylie Methodist Church, 3430 Antilley Rd, Abilene, TX 79606, US, on October 30, 2026, at 1:30 pm.
Following the funeral, a Committal Service will be held at Elmwood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 5750 US-277, Abilene, TX 79606, US, on October 30, 2026.
Jim would like to express his heartfelt thanks to all who cared for Laura at Windcrest and Wesley Court, especially Katheryn (Joann) Barton, APRN, FNP-C, and Dr. Paul W. Watts of Pain Management.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Hospital, Gideons International, the Wylie Methodist Church building fund, or a charity of one’s choice.
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” - Revelation 21:4 (KJV)
