LAUREL LISTON

MARCH 3, 1918 – APRIL 17, 2024

Laurel R. "Mama" Liston, 106, transitioned from this life to her next journey on April 17, 2024. She was a lovely, generous, positive person who looked for the good in others.

Born on March 3, 1918, to George and Francis Shull Baggs, she grew up on a small farm in Abbeyville, Kansas with seven siblings gathered around the kitchen table. She attended a one room schoolhouse. Though life was not easy, Laurel loved the farm. However, when she was eight, she was caught up in a tornado. She had just safely secured her two youngest siblings in the storm cellar. When she re-climbed the stairs to close the doors, the rope was ripped from her hands and she was airborne. She landed in the chicken coop across the farmyard. She never liked thunderstorms much after that, or references to Dorothy in "The Wizard Of Oz".

During the depression, the family went to South Bend, Indiana to live on another farm. They safely made it cross country by car even though the designated drivers, her sister and brother, had never driven before.

Laurel attended Lakeville High School. She was a cheerleader, basketball player and class valedictorian. She was awarded a full tuition to Indiana State Teachers College, but unfortunately had to remain at home to work.

Laurel met her husband Walter at Walgreens in South Bend where she was the head waitress and he was the fountain supervisor. Fifty-five years of marriage took them from South Bend to Cleveland, Chicago, Springfield, Denver, and Park Ridge, Illinois. She was always involved in her children's activities. Her husband worked for Walgreens almost 50 years. In Park Ridge, Illinois she was a long distance telephone operator.

Upon retirement they went to Lexington, Kentucky to be with their daughter Dianne and her family which they really enjoyed. Laurel's husband died in 1992 in Lexington. After 20 years in Lexington, circumstances brought Laurel to live with her youngest daughter, Linda, in DeKalb. They had 26 wonderful years together.

Laurel was a die-hard NIU huskie fan of all sports, always enjoying hugs from Victor E. Huskie.

Laurel enjoyed traveling, including a visit to Germany. She liked to keep herself active by shopping, visiting, reading, watching TV and playing with her dachshunds. She attributed her long life to a generous diet of chocolate in many forms. Many of Linda's friends who had lost their own mothers adopted Laurel, thus the name "Mama Laurel".

She is survived by her daughter Dianne L. Letson of, Salem and Fripp Island, South Carolina, Linda K. Liston, M.D. of DeKalb, IL, two grandchildren, Laura Letson (Russell Callender) Seattle, WA, William Walter Letson (Jettie) John's Creek, GA, and one great grandson Jay Letson, and Lauren (Russell's daughter). She is also survived by nieces and nephews in Oregon, Missouri, and Virginia. She leaves behind Eli the dachshund and Woody the budgie.

Laurel was preceded in death by her parents, eight siblings, son-in-law Ron Letson.

We are grateful for her special caregivers Victoria, Tacci, Jenn, and Mya, special friends Dave & Toni, as well as many other wonderful friends in her life.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 26, 5:00-7:00 pm at Finch Funeral Home at 310 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL. Funeral service will be Saturday morning April 27, 2024 at 11:00 am at the DeKalb Christian Church, 1107 South First St, DeKalb, Rev. Thomas Hughes officiating. Burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers memorials are directed to the following: Mail check to NIU Athletics who will deposit your gift into the Laurel Liston Expendable Fund in Athletics Trainer Education. Make check out to the NIU Foundation and write "Laurel Liston Athletics Trainer Fund" in the memo line and mail to the following address:

NIU Athletics

Attn: Nate Olson

P.O. Box 906

DeKalb, IL 60115