Laura M. Hardin

Laura Hardin went peacefully to the arms of the Lord on November 30, 2013. Laura was born to Fern Helen (Pilger) and William Robert Suesz on December 28, 1937, in Wichita, KS.

Laura grew up in Wichita and attended Wichita West High School. Later, she studied medicine and earned accreditation in the medical record field.

Laura worked many years for Memorial Hospital, McPherson and St. John’s Hospital in Salina. A longtime resident of both towns, Laura later enjoyed living at Eagle Crest Retirement in Salina.

Laura’s surviving children are Cindy Tillman (Mike) of McPherson, Martha Sheldon (Ed) of Derby, and Laurie Likins of Assaria.

Laura’s grandchildren are Jaclyn Gifford (Chris) of Laurel, MD, Blake Tillman of Shawnee, Leslie Hardin of Lawrence, Ashton Walton (Trevor) of Overland Park, Alayna Reta (D.J.) of Tulsa, OK, Audra Howell of Pratt, and Sam Howell of El Dorado. Laura is blessed with three great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by a sister, Dora “Dede” Cadnapaphornchai (Pravit) of Detroit, MI and brother-in-law, Larry Baecht of Lawrence.

In 2008, Laura deeply grieved the loss of her son, Eric Hardin, and son-in-law, Mike Likins. She was also predeceased by her parents and sisters, Barbara Baecht, Sarah Meyer, and Becky Irvin.

Laura was first married to George E. Hardin. She later married Charley N. Withrow, Jr. Both former husbands have preceded her in death.

Laura will be missed for her sweet smile and fun-loving ways. She was a word-smith and often spoke poignantly. She enjoyed crafts such as needle-point, knitting and crocheting, and greeting card making. She enjoyed Bible studies and craft groups. She enjoyed people, and had a twinkle in her eye as she got to know a person or reacquainted with a friend or family member. She loved Jesus and said that the first time that she really got to know Him was the first time she had known that she was truly loved. Visits from friends and family members were always at the top of her list.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, December 7, 2013, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until service time on Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Big Brothers Big Sisters in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Laura M. Hardin please visit our Sympathy Store.