Laura Dean (Kirtley) Uhrich, 81, died May 13, 2021, after a valiant battle with cancer. She passed away while holding her daughter's hand and surrounded by her sister-in-law and dear friend, Ann Uhrich, and her sister, Sue. She was born June 11, 1939 in Cold Springs, Arkansas to the late Sam M. Kirtley and P. Inez (Johnson) Kirtley. In addition to her parents, Laura was preceded in death by her brothers, Sammy Kirtley and Dale Kirtley, and six of her childhood siblings.

Laura was employed for many years at Pathfinder as Assistant Director of Contracting.  She weighed four pounds at birth according to her mother, who stated she was weighed on the town cotton scale.  Her mother kept her wrapped well and by the fire for her first winter, but after that she flourished.   Laura was a woman of high standards, but her love was unconditional.  She was funny, compassionate, and lived in the warmth and love of her family. Laura welcomed all her children, children's children, and friends into her home, which was always immaculate and full of good things to eat.  She will be deeply missed by all her friends and loved ones.

She is survived by her children, Donna J. Lambert and Clifford R. (Adriana) Uhrich, Jr.; her two sisters, Sharon Sue Dyer and Mary J. Kirtley; seven grandchildren, Mark Allen Lambert, Jr., Ashtin (Roger) Proffitt, Ryan Uhrich, Mackenzie Uhrich, Clifford R. Uhrich III, Julian Uhrich, and Gabriel Ayoubi; four great-grandchildren, Zoey-Jane Lambert, Samuel Proffitt, Madison Proffitt, and Allison Proffitt, all of whom called her "Grandmother".

A visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home. Her ashes will be shared by her two children. Memorial gifts in Laura's memory can be made to Arkansas Hospice Foundation (Searcy), 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Arkansas, 72116.

Arrangements by Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home, (501) 982-2136.