Laura Marie Smith

Laura Marie Smith, 67, born October 14, 1958, in Eugene, Oregon, to Roy Lincoln Smith and Louise Rickabaugh Smith, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada after a severe respiratory illness that led to complications. Her siblings are Kathy Cleland, Cheri Smith, Kelly Smith, and her late brother Rick Smith. Laura passed peacefully with her daughter, Tiana, by her side.

Laura grew up in Eugene and attended North Eugene High School, where she was a standout athlete and set the school’s discus record; a record that lasted many years after her graduating class of 1976. Some of the happiest memories of her life were the summers she spent as a camp counselor and lifeguard at Loon Lake, where she found joy, friendship, and a sense of belonging that stayed with her throughout her life.

Laura had a natural instinct to nurture and care for others. Early in her career she expressed that care through food, working for many years as a pastry chef at the Excalibur in Las Vegas. She became the person everyone turned to for wedding cakes and birthday cakes, known for her skill and the love she poured into everything she created.

Determined to build a meaningful career helping others, Laura began college the same year her daughter started kindergarten. Balancing work, school, and single motherhood, she persevered and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, becoming a registered nurse in 1996. Nursing was more than a profession for Laura. It was a reflection of her compassionate nature and her deep desire to care for people.

Laura was also a skilled seamstress who could make clothing and quilts by hand. She created many special things for the people she loved, including Rugrats pajamas for Tiana, Jhatara, and Jharel; memories stitched together with creativity and care.

Later in life Laura endured significant physical pain and underwent more than five hip surgeries, eventually walking with a limp. Despite these challenges, she continued forward with strength and determination.

Throughout her life Laura also faced struggles with addiction. Yet one of her defining qualities was her willingness to begin again. Time and again she returned to recovery, choosing the difficult work of rebuilding and healing. She passed away sober and committed to continuing a life of meaning and fulfillment.

Above all, Laura devoted herself to her daughter, Tiana Smith-Jones, whom she raised as a single mother and always placed at the center of her life. Their bond was deep and constant, and they spoke every day.

Her love extended beyond her immediate family. She considered Elena Marshall her own daughter and helped raise Jhatara Roberts, whom she lovingly considered her granddaughter. Laura is also remembered by her childhood best friend Sylvia Smith, longtime family friend Robin Jester, and beloved roommate, Jenna Marsden, who spent meaningful time with Laura during the final days of her life.

Laura was known for her sharp intelligence, biting dark humor, and memorable words of wisdom. She often advised people not to “strettle,” her word for settling for situations that don’t truly fit while trying to stretch them to make them work. She also reminded people not to “should all over themselves,” encouraging others to extend self-compassion rather than live under the weight of expectation.

Laura’s life was marked by perseverance, compassion, creativity, and humor. She fed people, cared for people, stitched together memories for those she loved, and never stopped finding the strength to begin again.

A celebration of Laura’s life and the scattering of her ashes will take place on her birthday, October 14, 2026, at Loon Lake, Oregon, in accordance with her wishes.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Palm Mortuary, 1325 N Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 for local loved ones who are unable to travel to the celebration of life.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.