Laura Arianna Simpson

Laura Arianna Simpson, 86, of West Plains, Missouri went to be with her Savior on Monday June 10, 2024 at 9:16 am at home like she always wanted.

Mrs. Simpson was born March 22, 1938, in Minnesota to Herbert and Anna Zabel, the youngest of 4 children. She would often share stories of the family farm and all the adventures she would have with her sister, Carol. The family moved to California when Laura was early in her teenage years. She attended school at the old San Fernando mission for 2 years before attending the new public high school where she graduated in 1956. She enjoyed modern dance as one of her electives and spoke about it often. She worked at the local drive-in with a friend in the snack bar. There were many hilarious stories of those two making shakes and meeting local kids her age.  A year before graduation she met the love of her life John Graham Simpson. They dated in her senior year and were married shortly thereafter. They have two children, Catherine Gayle Simpson and John Jeffrey Simpson. They built their lives in the Sunland Tujunga area of Los Angeles. In those days her husband John worked days as a machinist and Laura went to work nights for Security Pacific Bank. They raised their children together, each being able to spend time with them when the other worked.  As the children grew up and got older, they were introduced to Cathy’s new boyfriend’s parents. Their names were Ernie and Polly Wollin and they enjoyed motorcycles. Soon, the four of them were off having adventures on two wheels and camping on the weekends. They were able to visit much of the western United States in those days. Grandma often reminisced of those days and how she said they were the best days of their lives.  In 1995, after John retired, they moved to West Plains, MO. This new time in life led to 10 years of painting classes held in their kitchen. A small group of ladies & men would come together to paint and bring food to spend the day talking and painting. There are walls filled with her amazing paintings all over the house. She was quite talented, and she enjoyed it immensely. John joined the Ozarks Older Iron Club and quickly became active in the club. They both have plaques as distinguished members of the club. There are hundreds of books in the house as reading has been a lifelong passion for her. The last 9 years she has enjoyed continuing her reading, coloring in those new adult coloring books and word scrambles. She loved watching the TCM channel and catching 1930’s movies, she especially loved the silent ones.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Anna Zabel, Sister, Mame, Brother, Bud, Sister, Carol, husband ,John G. Simpson, daughter, Catherine Simpson, and son John J. Simpson.

Laura is survived by her grandson, Craig Wollin and wife, Jenna of West Plains, MO, granddaughter, Holly McCarthy of Big Bear City, CA, and great-grandson, Thomas Brookens and wife, Caitlynn of Flagstaff, AZ . She is also survived by a niece, Anita Dick of Prairie Grove, MN and her two children, Beth Dick and Mike Dick, also of Minnesota.

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home