Laura Elizabeth Ogden Young

Laura Elizabeth (Ogden) Young passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 56. Born in Abilene, Texas, Laura was the youngest child of Emil and Clementine Ogden. She was raised in College Station, where she attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School and A&M Consolidated High School. Laura graduated from Texas A&M University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and proudly embraced her identity as a member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of ’91.

Laura married her soulmate, Dr. Warren Young, and the two began their life together in Navasota, Texas. She taught history and served as a cheer sponsor at A&M Consolidated before dedicating herself full-time to raising their children—Madison, Brennan, and Christopher. Her love for her family was deep and unconditional; she was the heart of their home.

Later in life, Laura turned her passion for floral design and decorating into a creative ministry. Inspired by a desire to bring beauty and joy to others, she founded a business crafting custom wreaths. In her own words, she created each piece with purpose and prayer:

"Every product has one consistent element, they are each covered in prayer. As I create each piece, I pray over the work, for the customer and for all the people who will enjoy that wreath or decoration. In my mind, my business is really a ministry, and I believe that the Lord has blessed it and allowed it to grow."

Laura was resilient, which was gained by overcoming challenges in life. She used this resilience to have a profoundly positive impact on many. Her house was an “open door” to any of her family or children’s friends. The “redirection” she unselfishly provided to those in need was loving, tough and consistent. She could uniquely “get to the point” quickly and press you to do something positive while always being in your corner, supporting you to do good.

Laura had a gift for seeing beauty where others might not and for sharing that beauty with grace and humility. Whether through her wreaths, her warm hospitality, or her simple acts of kindness, she poured love into everything she did. As empty nesters, she and Warren moved to a ranch in Blanchard, Oklahoma, where she found immense joy in horseback riding and life in the country.

Laura is survived by her loving husband, Warren; her three children, Madison Young, Brennan Young, and Christopher Young; her precious granddaughters, Remington Mahan and Rory Gunderson; her sister Kathy Buttry (Jimmy); her brothers Steve Ogden (Beverly), Paul Ogden (Beth), Michael Ogden (Sarah), and Joseph Ogden (Karen); mother-in-law, Barbara Young and her in-laws, Schelley Tucker (Mickey), Lori Goodall (Dan), and Bryan Young (Kelly). She also leaves behind countless nieces, nephews, and dear friends who were touched by her light.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Emil and Clementine Ogden.

Laura's legacy is one of love, faith, creativity, and service. She will be remembered not only for what she created with her hands, but for how she made others feel—seen, loved, and valued. Her life was a testimony to God’s goodness and mercy, and her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Laura will be held on Monday, May 12 at 11: 00 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bryan Texas. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:30 – 6:30 pm Sunday with a rosary at 6:00 pm at Memorial Funeral Chapel in College Station.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Research Center in Houston, Texas, the Ark Assessment Center & Emergency Shelter for Youth in Corpus Christi, Texas in honor of Laura’s generosity and giving spirit or Focolare Movement 701 Belmeade Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78412.

Laura asked that we celebrate her life, so please wear bright colors. She asked for the church to look like a bouquet of flowers.