Laura Lake Laura Belle Lake, 87, Excelsior Springs, passed away Oct. 11, 2026, at her home.

She will be cremated. The family will hold a private memorial.

Laura was born Nov. 3, 1938, in Centerview, the daughter of Murl and Edith (Shackleford) Ballew.

She graduated from Lincoln Missouri High School. She then moved to Kansas City and worked for Kansas City Life Insurance Co.

She married Larry Lake and became a homemaker. Later, she worked at North Kansas City Hospital until her retirement.

She enjoyed gardening, sewing and crocheting. Laura is survived by her children, Connie Whitham, Kelly LeRoy, Larry Lake Jr. and Jerry Lake; grandchildren, Tasha Smith, Joshua Whitham, Jeremy Whitham, Jennifer Davis, Rachel Davis, Sarah Horne, Valerie Lake and Devon Lake. Other survivors include her great-grandchildren, one brother, four sisters, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Larry Lake Sr. and Gary Horton; sisters, Francis Becker and Majorie Ballew; and granddaughter, Caitlin Lake.

Arrangements by Bross & Spidle Funeral Home of Excelsior Springs.