Laura Ellen (Jefferson) Platter

True to form, Laura left this world with style and grace. At 88, she left us too early, though with a legacy we shall strive to live up to throughout our own lives. No amount of words can adequately capture the essence of a person's life; here are a few to give you insight and to show our gratitude for having been made better by knowing her.

Laura was kind, loving, and elegant. Descending from and guided by a long line of independent, accomplished women and men, Laura didn't hesitate in the pursuit of challenges, adventure and equality. A lover of art and travel, she was passionate about other cultures and, in particular, Asian Art. She was generous with her time and volunteered for many years at the Freer and Sackler Galleries of Art, the League of Women Voters and the German-American Spouses Club, among many others.

Laura was an independent woman who did not wait to do things she was interested in and traveled the world to experience new cultures and meet new people. Growing up in multiple states and in Puerto Rico, graduating from Florida University after also attending George Washington University and Stephens College, and studying Chinese in her professional career inspired her to visit many countries and most continents during her lifetime. She was a true citizen of the world who thoroughly enjoyed the journey of life.

We remember her as a loving and generous citizen, friend, wife, mother, and grandmother who is leaving the world a little bit better than she found it.

She is survived by sons Robert, Bruce, and Dave; grandchildren John, Aidan, Haley, Tenzin, and Teo; brother Wayne; and numerous relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; parents Wayne and Eleanor Jefferson; brother James; and sister, Sarah.

Laura will be buried at a future date with her husband, John, in Licking, Missouri. We give grateful thanks to the staff at Ingleside at King Farm for the loving care they provided to Laura.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to thewalters.org/support/donate