Laura Crittenden

Laura Ann Crittenden, 55, formerly of Mansfield, Ohio, died June 1 in Garland, Texas, after a long illness. She was born October 5, 1953, in Mansfield to the late Robert E. Crittenden and Sophie Wojcik Crittenden. Laura graduated from Malabar High School and from Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, where she earned a degree in business administration. She also did post graduate work at Ashland University. During her career she worked as Research Project Administrator at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas; followed by Research Data Manager at The Center for Prostate Disease Research, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio. She became a Certified Clinical Research Professional CCRP in 2003 and worked as Clinical Research Coordinator at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. At the time of her death, she was working as a Senior Clinical Research Associate for i3 research and received the honor of "Outstanding Employee of the Year" in 2008. Pride in her profession and pride and love for her family dominated her life.

She is survived by her son Patrick R Nixon of Denton, Texas, and her daughter Heather A. Nixon of Garland, Texas; her mother and step father Sophie and Joseph Polhemus of Mansfield, Ohio. She is also survived by three brothers and sisters-in-law: Robert J. Crittenden Yolanda of San Antonio, Texas; Mark A. Crittenden Laura of Chesapeake, Virginia; Christopher E. Crittenden Sherry of Arlington, Virginia; also a step sister and spouse Ellen and Edwin Stiffler, Jr. of Mansfield; aunts and uncles Mary E. Wojcik, Worthington, Ohio; Richard and Stephanie Dunnington, Kernersville, North Carolina; Joseph and Iris Wojcik, Littleton, Colorado; four nieces and three nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert E. Crittenden; step brother, John R. Polhemus; and Aunts Frances Olivieri, Catherine Dykstra and Ann Alacca.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, June 20, at The First Congregational Church, Mansfield, Ohio with the Rev. Dr. Anthony Minear officiating.

A calling hour at 10:00 am will precede the services. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to your Humane Society. Arrangements are by Wappner Funeral Directors.