Laura Nadine Gist passed away peacefully on September 28, 2026, at the age of 95.
Born on October 26, 1930, in Leeton, Missouri, Laura was the fourth of eight children born to Norman F. Cox and Mary S. Epperson Cox. She graduated from Leeton High School and attended Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri.
After college, Laura moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where she worked for Prudential Life Insurance Company. There, she met the love of her life, Walter M. Gist. They were married on July 22, 1951, in Leeton, Missouri, beginning a devoted marriage filled with love and shared memories.
Laura and Walter first made their home in Kansas City before moving to Mission, Kansas, where they welcomed their daughter, Debra, and son, Dennis. The family later relocated to Hazelwood, Missouri, when Walter’s employer transferred him. There, Laura lovingly devoted herself to raising their growing family. As retirement approached, another transfer took them to Mount Prospect, Illinois. Following Walter’s retirement, they settled in his hometown of Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1983.
After Walter’s passing, Laura remained in Leavenworth until 2016, when she moved to Herculaneum, Missouri, to be closer to her son and his family in nearby Festus.
Laura was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church and had previously been an active member and Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Leavenworth. She generously volunteered at Cushing Memorial Hospital and devoted many hours to serving her church and community.
Laura found great joy in tending her flowers, spending time with family and friends, bowling, walking the family dog, and appreciating the simple pleasures of everyday life. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering love for her family.
Laura leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Laura was preceded in death by her husband, Walter, and her many brothers and sisters, Floyd Cox, William Cox, Gerald Cox, Pauline Finke, Anna Baron, Nina Schneider, Mary Margaret La Favor and son-in law Michael Burns and Grandsons Colby Burns and Matthew Burns.
Laura was survived by her daughter, Debra, her son, Dennis (Vicki), grandchildren Jason (Shauna), Jamie (Richard), Chris (Julie), Chad (Angie), and her many great and great-great grandchildren and other beloved family members who will cherish her memory.
Burial will be in Leavenworth National Cemetery