02/20/2026
UPDATED OBITUARY-LAURA LAUGHLIN
Laura Kathleen Ashe Laughlin, 97, passed away at BeeHive Homes of Starkville on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Born November 4, 1928, in Strayhorn, MS, she was the daughter of the late Clyde Rhea Ashe and Katie Boland Ashe.
Growing up during the Great Depression as the youngest of her siblings, Laura was affectionately known as “Blondie” for her bright blonde hair. She was blessed to have her mother, Katie, as a constant part of her life for many years, as Katie lived to be 106; that same strength and longevity were mirrored in Laura’s own 97 years. After attending Strayhorn Primary School and Northwest Community College, she married her husband, Carl Laughlin, in 1948. They shared over 60 years of loving devotion to each other until his passing in 2008.
Laura was the embodiment of a Southern lady, quietly observing the laws of etiquette and ensuring her home was always a place of welcome. A woman of intentional kindness, she was remarkable at remembering birthdays and special occasions, always taking the time to write thoughtful thank-you notes. She was a constant source of encouragement, offering support and advice that was always rooted in Scripture and delivered through the lens of Grace.
Laura cherished a remarkably close relationship with all of her siblings and their spouses. Whether they were traveling together or gathered around a table for a lively game of Rook, her family was her greatest joy. Her doors were always open to family and friends alike.
In 1966, she and Carl moved to Calhoun City to operate Calhoun Parts, Inc. (NAPA). While she helped with the store, her primary focus was raising her children and serving her community. A faithful member of Lewis Memorial Methodist Church, she helped with the building committee and was among those who helped start the church daycare. She was a firm believer in supporting her church, her local schools, and the community she called home.
Laura truly enjoyed laughing and lived a life full of simple pleasures. She could often be found walking, reading, or working on crossword puzzles. She loved being outside tending to her flowers, but above all, she was fiercely protective of and devoted to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Pryor Funeral Home has the honor of serving the Laughlin family.
A Funeral Service celebrating her life will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 3:00pm at Lewis Memorial Methodist Church in Calhoun City. There will also be Visitation on Monday from 2:00pm until service time at the Church. Bro. Johnny Bowlin will be officiating. Interment will be at Brooks Chapel Cemetery near Coldwater, MS.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jobi Cook, Jess Moore, Mike Beasley, Jerry Moore, Wess Laughlin, and Day Dantzler, Jr.
She leaves behind her daughter, Laura Jo Laughlin Dantzler and her husband Day of Orlando, FL; son, David Laughlin and his wife Lynn of Madison; grandchildren, Wess Laughlin, Annie Busby, Lauren Ashe (Jason) Haydu, William Laughlin, and Day (Tara) Dantzler, Jr; great-grandchildren, Laura Loy Busby, Fraley Busby, Ryder Haydu, Ashe Haydu, and John Tate Haydu; and sister-in-law, Louis Ashe of Tunica, MS.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Katie Ashe; brothers, Howard Ashe, Robert Binford Ashe, and Harvey Ashe; and her sister, Mable Ashe.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Dana Wells for her love and care throughout the years.
In lieu of flowers , donations may be made to Lewis Memorial Methodist Church or Brooks Chapel Cemetery Fund.
Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at
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