Laura Lee Blackhart, 68, passed away suddenly on November 4, 2022 in Oakdale.

She was born August 23, 1954 in Fresno and lived there through college where she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Education and her teaching credential.

She married her high school sweetheart Bruce in 1976. They moved to Arlington, Virginia for him to attend medical school at Georgetown and she taught kindergarten in public school until the birth of their first child.

In 1982 they began seven years in the Medical Corps of the U.S. Navy, stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, then Whidbey Island, Washington before moving to Oakdale in 1989.

It was in Washington that she discovered her true calling, teaching and directing the AWANA cubbies program for preschoolers and she did this for 30 years. She was also involved in MOPS as a Mentor Mom for many years.

Laura was a selfless, loving, and giving person, strong and steadfast in her faith. She loved music, especially worship songs and hymns and these stayed with her the longest when Alzheimer’s disease took much else. She also enjoyed walking the beach at Cambria, searching for otters and dolphins.

She especially loved spending time with her six grandchildren, reading to them and playing games.

She was predeceased by her parents, Richard and Edna Parker.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Dr. Bruce Blackhart and their three children; Kim (Chris) Dow, Dr. Scott Blackhart, Mark Blackhart, grandchildren Iain, Cait, Charis, Gwyneth, Micah, and Olivia, and her sister Leanne (Gordon) Funk.

A memorial service will be held Nov. 26, 2022 at 10 a.m. at The River Christian Community.

Remembrances may be sent to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

The Riverbank (Calif.) News

Nov. 23, 2022