Laura Smith Ott Haefer

Laura Haefer, age 92 of La Grande, died, Thursday August 24, 2006 at a local care center. A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 28, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Island City Cemetery.



Laura was born on August 3, 1914 the daughter of Ralph B. and Alice (Ayars) Smith on Pumpkin Ridge near Elgin, Oregon. She attended school in a one room school house on Pumpkin Ridge before later graduating from Elgin High School. After high school she married Fritz Ott but the marriage ended in divorce. In January of 1953 Laura married August Haefer and the couple remained married until August later preceded her in death. Laura worked as a cook in the school district for many years and was a member of the Imbler Christian Church, long time member of Tops, Kops and also the Eagles Lodge. She was an excellent seamstress, avid reader and loved to crochet and knit.



Survivors include her children and spouses, Connie and Wendell Abell of Island City, Oregon, Frederick Arthur Ott of Sacramento, California, Deanna Boschee of Oceanside, California and Mel and Diantha Ott of Spokane, Washington; 8 Grandchildren; 17 Great-Grandchildren; several Great-Great Grandchildren; sister-in-law and spouse, Ethel Smith and "Bus" Hoover and other relatives and friends. Her parents, husband, brother Arthur Smith and sister, Ruth Smith all preceded her in death. Two grandsons also preceded her in death, Terry Lee Abell and Robert Earl Abell.



Those who wish may send flowers or make a contribution in memory of Laura to the Diabetes Association in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.