Laura Aitkens passed away on April 9, 2026, at the age of 80. She lived in Excelsior Springs, MO, for the past 10 years, Liberty, Claycomo, Kansas City, KS, and Plattsburg before that. Laura worked at Hoechst Marion Roussel labs as a Pharmaceuticul Processer for many years, Bayvet Laboratories, and Certainteed before that.
She is survived by her brothers, Harold, Terry, and David, and her sister, Karen, who cared for Laura through health and sickness until the very end; her children, Ronnie, Paul, and her daughter-in-law-turned-best-friend, Vicki; her grandchildren, Rachel and Ronnie (Callie), Nina, Chris, Josh and Tyler; and great-grandchildren, Hattie, Sawyer, and Owen.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Harold; her brother, Jim; and her long-time friend, Ray.
Laura lived a life full of love, travel, family, friends, music, and racing. She never met a pretty rock or piece of driftwood that she didn’t try to take home with her, succeeding every time she really put her mind to it. She had a knack for remembering where the best garage sales were and adding to her many collections: glass pitchers, old landscape paintings, clocks, birds, and many more. She loved her road trips to Texas to see Paul every year around her birthday to catch the wildflowers.
Laura spent many years caring for others, including her parents and her disabled cousin Mike, helping him with appointments and errands for many years. She spent every summer taking Vicki, Ronnie, and Rachel on road trips, showing the kids beautiful places, a favorite being Colorado Springs. Whether it was helping Rachel move across country for tenth time or giving someone who was struggling a Benjamin, she was always looking for ways to help people. Mr. Rogers said in a famous quote to “look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping” and Laura was always a helper.
She was a kind generous woman who lived life with joy and love. She will be missed by so many.
Laura was adamant that she did not want a funeral where “everyone sat around crying”, but preferred a Celebration of Life, or in her words “a big party”. Her big party to celebrate her life will be held on June 13, 2026. Please reach out to family for additional details.
Arrangements are in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs
