Laura L. Pockett, 84, of Arcadia, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay.
She was born on August 17, 1940 at her home in Bowling Green, Ohio, the second of three daughters, to the late Peter Harrison “Harry” and Dorothy M. (Sheperd) Osborn.
After graduating from Bowling Green High School in1958 Laura attended school and earned a manager’s license from the Toledo Academy of Beauty Culture. Upon her graduation in 1959 she became the owner and operator of a beauty salon that she named Laura Lee Beauty Salon in Bowling Green. Being a business owner at 19 years of age was one of the proudest moments; another is the fact that her two daughters and two granddaughters have followed in her footsteps.
Laura married Roger Miller in 1962, they were divorced and she returned to the workforce where she was the first female line supervisor at Atlas Crankshaft in Fostoria. When the employment situation began to soften in 1980, the employment at Atlas was reduced and she started working at Modine Manufacturing in Pemberville where she was an assembler, welder and spray painter. She also served the local union as president and other offices. She retired from Modine in 2002. Laura was married to Dale Pockett in 2006 and they divorced in 2017.
Laura enjoyed traveling, especially visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. She also enjoyed the fall colors in the New England states, whale/seal watching off the coast of Cape Cod and a train trip through the lower portion of Canada. She also went on several cruises that gave her the opportunity to visit other countries.
Laura is survived by her children, Bruce E. (Theresa) Miller, Bradner, Pamela J. (Robert) Miller Grine, Arcadia, Karen S. (Thomas) Miller Moses, Arcadia and Max A. (Annette) Miller, Elida; eleven grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Linda S. Osborn Turner of Bowling Green. And Lola, a five pound maltipoo that gave her many happy times and made her smile every day. She is also preceded in death by a sister, Marjorie A. Vanek and a nephew, Jeffrey H. Lane.
Per Laura’s request, there will be no visitation or services at this time. Arrangements are being handled by MANN-HARE-HOENING FUNERAL HOME, 407 N. Countyline Street, Fostoria, Ohio 44830.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 265, Arcadia, Ohio 44804.
Kind words for the family may be left at www.hoeningfuneralhome.com.
