Laura Sooter

(From Parker Mortuary)

Laura Elvella Sooter, age 77, of Joplin, MO, passed away on May 5, 2024 at Joplin Gardens.

Laura, daughter to the late Warren Gessett and Betty Burkhart was born July 22, 1946 in Joplin, MO.

Laura worked for many years in the food industry, serving donuts at Dude’s Daylight Donuts as a teenager, waitressing, cooking at Freeman Hospital, and serving as Dietary Manager at McCune Brooks Hospital. 

After retiring, she cared for her husband, Leon, as his heath declined until his passing. After a few years alone, she moved to Galena, KS to live with her son, Jack, and his family until she felt it was time for long term care. Laura has lived the last few months at Joplin Gardens, where she loved on others and was loved by those who cared for her, which was evident by the way the staff came to say their good byes one by one, including some not on duty. Laura was quite a historian and loved to share her stories.

Laura was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Sooter; son, Anthony Gougler; her parents; grandparents, Cecil and Jenny Pippin, who helped raise her; three brothers, Ed Roland, Winnie Burkhart, and Larry Burkhart; and one sister, Bertha Sturgis.

Laura leaves behind to see again, her son; Jack Gougler and wife, Susan, of Galena, KS; two grandsons, Jacob Gougler, of Galena, KS, and Zach Gougler, of Fayetteville AR; one granddaughter, Savannah Gougler, of Broken Arrow, OK; one great-granddaughter, Charlie Jo Gougler, of Fayetteville AR; two brothers, Bud Roland and wife, Rhonda, and Junior Burkhart, both of Joplin, MO; and one sister, Penny Turley, of Carterville, MO.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. in Parker Mortuary Chapel.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery with Roger Flint officiating.

Funeral arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary