Laura Haygood

Laura May Martin Haygood was born on November 12, 1923 in Casper to her parents John Thomas Martin and Hazel Dell Stephens Martin. Laura was the fourth the youngest child in her family and was given the nickname "Babe," a name which her closet friends and family members used almost exclusively throughout her life. She grew up in the Bates Hole area on the family ranch and attended elementary school at the Home Creek School and Red Creek School, both located in the Bates Hole area. When there weren't enough pupils for the school house in Bates Hole, Laura attended 6th grade at Park Elementary School in Casper. In order to attend high school, she moved into Casper and lived with a host family, attending Natrona County High School, graduating in May 1941. Following graduation she attended Beauty School. In August of 1941, against her father's wishes, Laura eloped to Crawford, Nebraska with Warren Haygood. They married on August 9th and returning to the Two Bar Ranch where they worked, living in Natrona County throughout their entire marriage, celebrating more than 40 years together before Warren passed away in 1983. Warren and Laura had four children; Thomas, Robert, Carol and Richard. In addition to raising her family, Laura's life achievements included a 23-year career as a Food Service Supervisor at Memorial Hospital, retiring in 1982. Laura was a member of the Natrona County Pioneer Association, Historical Society, Natrona County Cowbelles Association, Bates Hole Extension Club, and Bates Hole Bible Study. She assisted with the Bates Hole 4-H Clubs. She enjoyed arts and crafts, knitting, gardening and reading Wyoming History. In 1993, when her brother decided to leave the family ranch, she was proud to be able to purchase his share and become more actively involved in the daily operations at the ranch. Even at the age of 70+ years old, she could be found raking hay in the summer or feeding the cows during the winter. Always a hard worker, Laura never shied away from a task at hand and was most at ease in if she had something to do. If she didn't have a task that needed tending, she had a pair of knitting needles in her hands. As Laura departs this life to begin her eternal life in heaven, she leaves her four children: Tom (Rita), Bates Hole, WY; Bobby (Carol), Witmann, AZ; Carol, Denver, CO; Richard, Casper. Additionally, she leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by death by her parents, Sister Edna Haygood, Brother Myron Martin, husband Warren Haygood and an infant son. Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels. Her Memorial Service will be held July 12, 2013, at the Bustard Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m.

Service

Friday, July 12, 2013 11:00am

Bustard's Funeral Home

600 CY Avenue

Casper, Wyoming 82601