Laura J. Wilcoxon

1/26/1935 — 2/9/2017

Service Date: 3/4/2017
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Surrounded by the family who loved her, Laura Jean Wilcoxon left this Earth on Sunday to finally be reunited with her beloved husband, Mel. She died Feb. 19, 2017, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, following complications from surgery to repair a broken hip.

Laura was born Jan. 26, 1935, in Westport, Ore., to Arthur and Selma Price. She was raised in and attended school in Westport, where she played sports and was a cheerleader. She held a strong belief in God her entire life.

She and Melvin Ernest Wilcoxon were married April 23, 1951, in Kelso, Wash., and made their home in Clatskanie, Ore.

Over their married lives, the couple lived in a variety of cities following Mel's employment, including Lewiston, Clarkston, Walla Walla, Pullman and Granite Falls, Wash. They also lived for several years as caretakers on a privately owned island near Anacortes, Wash. She was rarely away from her husband, and after returning to Lewiston for their retirement years, they loved taking long walks together.

She was a homemaker who spent many years raising their seven children. An avid baker, homemade bread and apple pie were among her specialties.

Laura always loved animals, especially horses, and liked watching TV and movie westerns, especially those starring her all-time favorite cowboy, Roy Rogers. Throughout her life she had many pets, including a succession of Rottweiler dogs all named Big Girl. Her constant companion since her husband's death in 2011 was her little dog, Baby.

Over the last five years, she liked spending time with her friends at the apartment complex where she lived, especially enjoying their card games and movie nights. Above all else, she treasured any time spent with her family.

She is survived by seven children: Charles M. Wilcoxon, Milton R. Wilcoxon, George E.A. Wilcoxon and James R. Wilcoxon, all of Lewiston, M. Jean Edinger of Walla Walla, Ardel H. Baldridge of Irrigon, Ore., and Linda D. Brown of The Dalles, Ore. She also is survived by 29 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband of more than 60 years, she was preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy Thornton, brothers Kenneth Price and Edward Price, and a son who died in infancy.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering, with a light lunch, will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at the Lewiston Elks, 3444 Country Club Drive.

Laura's family would like to thank the staff at St. Joseph's for their care during her stay, especially Pat, hospital chaplain, and Michelle, registered nurse.

Her family suggests memorials may be made to the Lewis-Clark Animal Shelter, 6 Shelter Road, Lewiston, ID 83501, or online at www.lcshelter.org/donate.