Laura Heard

LAURA ELLEN HEARD was born on December 18, 1934, one of twin girls born to Joseph and Francis (Donnay) Cullen in Woodstock, Minnesota. She was raised and attended school at Woodstock School in Woodstock, and Pipestone High School in Pipestone, Minnesota. In 1951, she was united in marriage to Marvin Heard at St. Martin Catholic Church in Woodstock. Following their marriage, they lived and farmed near Woodstock. Laura worked for some time at Campbell’s Soup in Worthington, Minnesota. In 1962, the family quit farming and moved into Woodstock. Shortly after, Laura began driving milk truck for Heard Milk Hauling. Marvin preceded Laura in death on January 10, 2011. After his death, Laura continued living at their home in Woodstock. On Thursday, February 11, 2016, she was admitted to Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where she died on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at the age of 81 years, one month and 29 days.

Laura was a lifelong member at St. Martin Catholic Church in Woodstock where she was an active member, taught catechism and was a part of the ladies aid. She enjoyed quilting, traveling and any and all church functions. She was a collector of R.S. Prussia China and made many friends across the USA. She loved spending time at the cabin and especially the time spent with her family and friends.

She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Daryl Heard of Woodstock, Leslie Heard of Rapid City, South Dakota and Dale (Teresa) Heard of Woodstock; son-in-law, Robert Ratliff of Watertown, South Dakota; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; her twin sister, Leone (Bob) Ackerman of Hadley, Minnesota; several nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Marvin; one son, Edward; one daughter, Carol Ratliff; and three sisters, Mary “Mae” Scully, Audry Hermeling and Teresa Smith.