Laura Helen (Yeske) Elmore was the seventh child of Edward and Helen Yeske. She was born in Lunnford, Alberta, Canada on Saturday, September 21, 1940.
After a brief struggle with Alzheimer’s and heart disease, Laura passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the age of 85.
Those who have passed before her include her parents mentioned above, her husband Donald Elmore, brothers Walter* (wife Joan*), Arthur* (wife Nancy*), Max*, Freddie* [deceased in youth], Adolf* (wife Cheryl, not deceased), and her granddaughter Jillian Elora Elmore.
Laura is survived by her brother Alfred (wife Dorothy), sisters Frieda (husband Egil Frantzen), Elsie (husband Russell Mar deceased*), children David Elmore, Mark Elmore (wife Donna), Jason Elmore (wife Jaclyn), and Jennifer Hurd (husband Todd). She also leaves behind granddaughter Maegan Tilley (husband Andrew and great-grandsons Levi, Connor, and Samuel); granddaughter Carlee Fox (husband Grant and great-granddaughters Lily and Violet); granddaughter Jules Elmore; and granddaughter Brittany Hurd (and great-grandson Dylan). All of them are from central Arkansas along with dozens of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her grandkids were truly loved by her.
Canada was part of the British Commonwealth during World War II when she was born. Laura came into the world four months after her father was interned at the Kananaskis Interment Camp for German citizens in Canada. He didn’t get to see Laura until she turned four years old when he was released as the war neared its end.
Laura & Don met in Hawaii. Mom was vacationing with her sister Frieda while my dad was stationed at a naval base there. Their first encounter happened in a pineapple field as their cars passed each other-a romantic tale for another time.
They tied the knot in the historic Mc Dougall United Church of Canada located in Edmonton, Alberta on March 16, 1963.
Dad worked for Reynolds Metals for many years. One perk he enjoyed from his job was ten-week vacations every five years that allowed us to travel across the United States to see amazing places like Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forests, giant Sequoia trees, Yellowstone National Park, Rocky Mountains as well as Banff and Kananaskis National Parks. We also got to visit mom’s family farm in Canada which made for wonderful experiences for us kids from Arkansas. Mom organized all our trips.
No one can overlook how much she adored being outdoors-especially gardening both flowers and vegetables. Our family often went camping at lakes or traveled around during vacations using a pop-up camper. Thanks to our Scout training we quickly set up camp shortly after arriving-often impressing nearby campers with our efficiency!
Mom had an artistic side; she really enjoyed drawing. Reading books brought her joy too-she read over 50 to 75 each year throughout her life.
She served on various committees including the Women’s Committee of Boy Scout Troop 34 as well as being a Den Mother for Cub Scout Pack 33. Additionally she led Girl Scout Troop 160 while holding positions such as secretary-treasurer for Caldwell Elementary School PTA. She also took part in Extension Homemakers activities became a 4-H Leader and earned recognition as an Arkansas Master Gardener with an Audubon Society Bird Friendly Gold Certified Yard-as well as being a Lifetime Member of Arkansas Native Plant Society! Above all else she wore many hats: cook homemaker pet lover mother grandmother great-grandmother neighbor friend-deeply appreciated by all who knew her.
She never missed any football games concerts ceremonies or Scouting events supporting every activity we participated in fiercely defending us whenever necessary! Raising funds through band/football boosters organizing fundraisers for air conditioning units at school tackling countless school projects giving haircuts sewing clothes caring for us when sick applying Band-Aids pinching pennies cutting coupons wrapping gifts writing cards keeping everything organized-it seemed nothing escaped her notice-and yes she played disciplinarian too!
After retiring from Tops Shoes following two decades working there then spending ten years at Hurricane Creek Federal Credit Union it’s safe to say that Mom had quite an impressive career history!
I’ll never forget how my mom once caught a crappie barehanded nor how meticulously balanced checkbooks down to cents! Elvis Presley John Denver Josh Groban music filled our home alongside strawberry milkshakes occasionally indulging ourselves with Sonic’s Reese’s Blast treat! Keeping house yard gardens tidy reflected just some ways Mom expressed herself believing strongly about God encouraging others towards living fulfilling lives authentically!
A heartfelt thank you goes out especially towards staff members over at Mt. Carmel Community The Village plus caretakers affiliated with Elite Hospice who dedicated themselves tirelessly caring lovingly towards Mom during tough times!
A memorial service honoring Laura Elmore will take place at Smith-Benton Funeral Home located at322 N. Market Street Benton AR72015on Thursday June4th2026at3:00pmwith visitation occurring prior between2:00-3:00 PM. No reception will follow. Reverend Max Ates will officiate this ceremony. Online guestbook available here: www. Smith Family Cares. com.
A private graveside burial will occur later at Sharon Cemetery.
Please consider donating instead of sending flowers to support American Alzheimer’s Association.
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