Laura Lee Elwood

Our sweet sister Laura Lee returned home to her heavenly and earthly parents on May 6, 2026. She passed away peacefully, at the age of 89, in our family home with her sisters by her side.

Laura Lee entered this world on September 14, 1936, the firstborn child of Marjorie Larsen and Ollie Seamons Elwood. She was later joined in the family by Lyle, Vern, Julie and Molly. She grew up on Center Street in Wellsville next door to her grandparents. As the family grew, she moved across the street to a new family home built by her grandfather and dad. There she resided for the rest of her life.

Lee, as she came to be affectionately known by her family, attended school at Floradell Elementary, Wellsville Junior High and graduated from South Cache High School and Seminary in 1954.

As the oldest child she was our dependable, nurturing, sibling. She could be counted on to be there at a moment's notice for anything we needed as children. As we grew older and moved away she became a source of support for all of us, whether it was for home renovation projects, childcare, and especially sewing projects. She was the family seamstress and we all relied on her for clothing alterations and repairs. She made everything from prom dresses to tooth fairy pillows. She tried to pass on some of her skills to us, but if something needed to be done perfectly it always went to Lee. She was a very independent and self-reliant soul, who always wanted to pay her own way and be a caregiver to others.

Laura Lee worked as a professional seamstress her whole life. She was employed at Brigham Apparel, Pepperidge Farm, and Z Bag. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served in many callings. She enjoyed her service in the ward Relief Society presidency, as a Gospel Doctrine teacher and in the Logan Temple. She loved her Savior and was an example of love and service to all. She loved her professional work and church service, making many good friends along the way.

Lee loved to read, and the bookshelves in our home were filled with books ranging from church doctrine to murder mysteries. She was a talented crafter and decorator. She loved seasonal decorating and creating or shopping for decorations. Her greatest joy came from being involved in the lives of her family. She was the number one fan for her nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews at sporting events, band competitions, school plays, dance and piano recitals. She enjoyed going on trips to tournaments, weekend getaways or visiting Lyle’s family in Colorado. Weekly Friday shopping trips and lunch were a tradition. She also loved just going for rides and getting ice cream along the way.

Since our dad’s passing at an early age in 1971, she was a wonderful companion to our mom. She helped maintain the family home and took care of mom in her later years. Since mom’s passing in 2001, she took great pride in maintaining our family home and yard so we had a place to gather. Lee continued our traditions for many years including family gatherings on Christmas Eve, Memorial Day and Labor Day. The books on the family bookshelves were eventually replaced by family photos of everyone in the family.

As the years passed, she started to need assistance from those around her. It was very difficult for her to accept help, even though her whole life had been one of serving. Because she was such an independent soul, one of the greatest hardships in life was when she could no longer drive. Her greatest wish was to remain living in the family home. As siblings, we helped as much as we were allowed (given her independent and sometimes stubborn nature) to make that possible.

Laura Lee is survived by her sister-in-law Judy Elwood (Thornton, Colorado), brother Vern Elwood (Dianne), and sisters Julie Cooper (Gary) and Molly Maughan (Mitchell) all of Wellsville. She is also survived by 7 nephews, 7 nieces and 30 grandnephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Lyle, and nephew Cole Maughan. She leaves behind a legacy of service to her church and family. We love you and will miss you Lee, but are so excited for you to be with beloved family members on the other side.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 15th 2026 at 12 PM at the Wellsville City Cemetery. Services will be conducted by Bishop Benjamin Randall from the Wellsville 4th Ward. 

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.