Laurie Ann (Murphy) Monical, 62, of Keokuk, passed away Monday October 7, 2024, at her home.
Laurie was born April 22, 1962, on the Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base in Belton, Missouri, the daughter of John and Rose Ann (Washburn) Murphy. She graduated from Minot High School in Minot, N.D. in 1980.
She was united in marriage to Tim Monical on her grandparents 50th wedding anniversary in Las Vegas on Dec. 15th, 1984. They later divorced but were still close.
Laurie loved teaching. She taught in the Hamilton elementary school system for over 20 years. Her love of reading and learning led her to get her Master of Science in education, of which she was very proud. She loved classroom teaching, and in her classroom, she was the “Queen”. She also was proud to be the teachers Union President for two years and fought the good fight. Her love for her son and grandsons was her life. Playing with them and teaching them at the same time, whether it was a baby toy or video games, painting or drawing, puzzles or how to grow a seed or how to have fun. And of course, her love of reading. Her grandson could read sentences when he entered kindergarten. She was a loving grandma. In April of 2022, she suffered from a brain aneurysm but fought back and was able to live on her own for over two years. Having gone too soon, she will be greatly missed.
Laurie is survived by her son, David (Leana) Monical of Keokuk, mother, Rose Ann Murphy (Leon Dobson) of Donnellson, IA, brother, Randy (Torii) Murphy of Colorado, sister Rose Murphy of Florida, grandsons Edwin Monical and Bernard Monical, an aunt Marilyn Murphy in Illinois and several nieces and nephews and cousins. She is also survived by her good friend and part-time caregiver Lynne Kammerer of Hamilton.
Laurie was preceded in death by her paternal and maternal grandparents, her father, and sister Nancy Murphy of Florida.
Laurie’s life will be celebrated with a visitation on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 2 to 7 pm, with family meeting friends from 5 to 7 pm at Printy Funeral Home in Keokuk.
Memorials may be made out to David Monical for her grandsons’ education.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.
