Laura L. Ryder, 85 | Ozark County Times

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 First Baptist Church in Gainesville. Visitation will be available at the church from 10 a.m. until service time on June 1. Laura died peacefully on April 22, 2024 at her home.

She was born on 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 and helped with the costume parade and queen pageant at Hootin an Hollarin for many years. She sang along in the late 1970s and early 1980s 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 moments and made memories that will never be forgotten. In 2012, as her health began 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 greatly missed by her family, friends and all who knew her. Those attending the celebration of Laura’s life are asked to dress comfortably and wear something red, Laura’s favorite color. Memorial contributions may be made in Laura’s name the North American Mission Board (namb.net), International Mission Board (imb.org) or the charity close to Emily’s heart, BMDMI (Baptist Medical & Dental Mission International – BMDMI.org).