Laura L. Ryder, 85

 

A celebration of the life of Laura L. Ryder, 85, of Cabool, formerly of Gainesville, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Gainesville. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time June 1 at the church. Laura died peacefully on April 22, 2024, at her home. 

She was born April 28, 1938, in Enid, Oklahoma, the daughter of Elmo and Emily Crusinberry Radcliff. 

Laura worked as a hairstylist in both Gainesville and West Plains for almost 50 years. In the 1970s, she was active in the Gainesville Homemakers Extension Club, helping with the costume parade and queen pageant at Hootin an Hollarin for many years. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, she sang with  HIS Singers, a group of special ladies (Peach Walker, Jo Ann Frye, Carol Hannaford, Lodema Haden and Nancy Walker) from First Baptist Church. Laura moved to West Plains in 2003 in part to be closer to her grandchildren. They shared many special times and made memories that will never be forgotten. In 2012, as her health was beginning to decline, Laura moved to Cabool to live with her daughter Jana Dobson and husband Perry and their girls. 

She is survived by her daughter, Jana Cockrum Dobson and husband Perry; her grandchildren: Shelby Dobson of Springfield and Emily Dobson of Cabool; her sister Lyla Flippo of Douglass, Kansas; and "bonus" sisters, Ann Kruse of Springfield and Nancy Walker of Gainesville, as well as many nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. Those attending the celebration of Laura’s life are asked to dress comfortably and wearing something red, Laura’s favorite color. Memorial contributions may be made in Laura’s name to  the North American Mission Board (namb.net), International Mission Board (imb.org) or the charity that was especially close to Emily’s heart, BMDMI (Baptist Medical & Dental Mission International - BMDMI.org).

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423