Ella "Jean" Laughlin

Our Heavenly Father opened his expansive arms and welcomed Ella Jean Laughlin, 94, on Easter Sunday, April 5th. Jean, as she was known to friends and co-workers, was born on April 2, 1921 in Savannah, Ohio, to Elden Victor and Ina Ethel (Watts) Benedict.

A lifetime caregiver, Jean received her formal education as a registered nurse from the Cleveland Clinic and St. Luke’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Her gift to humanity was that she was always ready and available to many friends, neighbors, and relatives, offering her medical wisdom and selfless care.

Jean met her husband, John Thomas Laughlin, during WWII and they married in 1943 in Madison, Wisconsin, while he was on leave from the war. Together, they became the parents of four children, making their home in Northeastern Ohio. In 1961, the family relocated to DeBary in order to lovingly care for Jean’s aging parents.

Jean enjoyed reading, completing the newspaper puzzles and crosswords, watching her favorite television programs, and cheering on her beloved Orlando Magic. Her greatest joy, however, came from being a mother to her four children and spending precious time with her grandchildren.

Left to survive her with beautiful memories are her daughters; Shari Hoch, of Ormond Beach, Deana Ruel (Mike), of Marina del Rey, California, and Lisa Morris (Tom), of DeBary, 9 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and her beloved dog and best friend, Lady. She was preceded in death by her husband, John, son, Kevin Paul, her parents, a brother, Dean Benedict, and a sister, Margaret Weaver.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 11th at 10:00 am, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. Entombment will follow immediately in Deltona Memorial Gardens; 1295 Saxon Blvd., Orange City , FL,32763.