Laura Michelle Ackerman

Our precious wife, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend, Laura Michelle Ackerman passed away peacefully on September 19, 2021, in Roy, Utah.

Laura had a special bond with her Grandma and Grandpa Ackerman and it is such a comfort to know that they were lovingly waiting with open arms as Laura transitioned from this life to the next.

With the knowledge that her life may be short, Laura lived that life to the fullest. She crammed as much adventure, experience, love, and joy into her life as she possibly could. She had the courage to face her fears but not let that fear deny her the life she so desperately wanted.

Laura was the epitome of grace, courage, and grit as she faced the challenges of Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease. She was an example and inspiration to all who watched her fight this insidious disease. Alzheimer’s took so much from Laura, but she didn’t let it take her smile, her humor, or the ability to let you know just how ridiculous you were being (in her opinion) by a lift of an eyebrow. Laura coined some classic phrases during her fight such as “Dead Baby” and “What the hell, what the hell” that her family uses often and remembers fondly. We shared so many special and happy moments in the past few years as God gave us the incredible blessing of a long goodbye with this wonderful woman. We will be forever grateful for the memories we made during this time.

Laura was born on March 5, 1979, in Murray, Utah and was raised in West Valley City with her Anderson cousins who were more like brothers than cousins to her. We had such a wonderful time enjoying their antics and watching them grow. Softball was a passion for Laura. She enjoyed many years playing on a softball league and was a fierce catcher.

Laura lived and worked in Idaho and Utah during her adulthood and spent many happy years with Natalie Wahl. She returned to Utah in 2017 and met and married Connie Young. Shortly after their marriage Laura was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Connie was so devoted to Laura and took such good care of her (in spite of her own health problems) until it became impossible to safely care for her at home.

Laura was blessed with many wonderful friends, both in Utah and in Idaho. Her years in Idaho were among some of the happiest times of her life. We are so very grateful to all who loved Laura and touched her life in such a profound way.

For the past year and a half Laura had the honor of being cared for by the compassionate angels at Heritage Park Care Center in Roy. There were so many people at Heritage Park who provided such exceptional care and love to Laura that it would be impossible to mention each by name. But you know who you are and please know how much we love, admire, and appreciate you.

Laura is survived by her loving wife Connie Ackerman, stepson Nathan Young, stepdaughter Autumn Kanon and many grandchildren. She is also survived by Cheryl and Jeff King (mother and stepfather), Rebecca, Chris, and Max Penman (sister, brother-in-law, and nephew), aunts and uncles Cherie (Ted) Anderson, Joanne Ackerman (Gayle Threet), and Robert (Connie) Ackerman. Also surviving Laura are her cousins Tad (Mica) Anderson, Brett (Cyndi, Jacob, and Emma) Anderson, Russell (Kristy and RoMae) Anderson, Jacob Ackerman, Kallie Ackerman, and Jack (Jamie) Threet and her grandmother, Leda King.

Laura was preceded in death by her father, Robert Anderson, her stepsister, nephew and niece, Kelly, Jaden and Haley Boren, and her grandparents, Bob and Clella Ackerman, John and Emma Anderson and Ray King.

The family will receive friends at Valley View Memorial Park and Funeral Home at 4335 West 4100 South in West Valley City, Utah on Saturday, September 25th from 11:45 to 12:45 followed by a graveside service at 1:00 pm. Out of respect for each other, the family requests those attending to wear a mask while indoors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Organization in Laura’s name.

“What the hell, What the hell.”