Laurie A. Nelson, a loving wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 23, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. The daughter of Norman and Eileen (Stoneburner) Klinedinst, Laurie was born at Plymouth Parkview Hospital on October 16, 1957.

Laurie was a graduate of John Glenn High School, Class of 1976. She eventually relocated to California, where she was introduced to her future husband, Earl Nelson, by his sister Pam, and the rest is history. They were married at the Tyner Methodist Church on August 26, 1989. During her time in California, Laurie worked as a cement inspector. Later, she embraced her entrepreneurial spirit and opened her own housekeeping and industrial cleaning business.

A true California girl at heart, Laurie loved nothing better than spending time at the beach. On warm, sunny Indiana days, she was happiest spending time with family at the Xaver pool. Laurie was an adventurer, documenting her travels with her artistic photography skills. Whether it was relaxing on the beaches of Hawaii, hiking around a volcano, kayaking in the ocean to see Captain Cook’s graveyard, or visiting the Grand Canyon, Laurie created countless memories and captured them beautifully through her camera lens. She was always ready to explore new destinations with her family by her side.

Laurie had an eclectic taste in music and loved to listen to songs by Metallica and Adam Lambert. Artists like Bob Marley reminded her of her love of the beach, even when she was far away from one.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Laurie will remember her for her determined, resilient, and bubbly spirit. She loved fiercely and was extremely loyal to those she loved. She enthusiastically pursued learning new information and was a meticulous researcher and was laser-focused when she was passionate about the task at hand. Laurie was incredibly tech savvy, always updating to the latest cellphone and would assure that her family was updated and organized on new computer technology.

Laurie will be sorely missed by her husband of 36 years, Earl “Butch” Nelson; children, Tami Woodward, Fred Woodward, Jennifer Nelson, and Jacqueline McClure; grandchildren, Michael, Kali, Cameron, Olivia, Eli, Jackson, Justin, Silas, Kayden, Cole, and Connor; great-grandchildren, Patrick, Axel, Rylynn, and Greyson; sisters, Sharon Xaver and Vicki (Bill) Norris; in-laws, Pam, Debbie, and Pat; and her close friend, Janis Malicki.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Eileen Klinedinst; son, Ryan Woodward; brother-in-law, Jim Xaver; in-laws, Earl and Mary Nelson; and sister-in-law, Missy Nelson.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 12-2PM at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at 2PM with Chaplain Stephanie Merryfield, M. Div., with the Center for Hospice Care officiating.

Laurie will be laid to rest at Oakhill Cemetery in Plymouth.

Memorial Contributions can be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.