Laura M. Dick

Laura Marie (Arnett) Dick, 91, of Tecumseh, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 27th, 2026, bringing perfect healing to her broken heart, and surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born on July 2nd, 1934, in Lyons, Kansas, the daughter of Ora and Elsie (James) Arnett. She attended Highland Park High School and graduated in 1952.

In 1944, at the tender age of 10, Laura met the love of her life, Robert Earl Dick. From fourth grade, they grew up as neighbors on "The Hill," began going steady as sophomores, and were married on September 7, 1952, at Trinity Methodist Church in Topeka. They enjoyed more than 73 years as husband and wife and together raised three daughters, Rebecca, Diane and Lucinda.

Laura showed her dedication as a mother and grandmother with her creative work, sewing Easter dresses and matching outfits and crocheting countless baby blankets, afghans and other treasured keepsakes. When her daughters were involved with Camp Fire Girls, Laura took on a role as a leader with the organization.

A self-proclaimed “Granny,” she loved attending dance and music recitals when her grands were involved, whether at nearby auditoriums or on a faraway cruise to Alaska. Softball and baseball were also favorites throughout her life, playing as a teen, and cheering on her daughters, grand and great-grandkids. She was so grateful, however, when technology advances allowed her to watch all the sports and activities from the comfort of her home.

Laura worked as a bank officer for Highland Park Bank and Trust for nearly twenty years, during which time she was active in the National Association of Bank Women.

She was a long-time member of Tecumseh United Methodist Church, where she served on various committees, including Pastor-Parish and the Be Active Wellness Program. She also volunteered her time at the church’s after-school Discovery Club and annual Apple Dumpling Days.

Laura enjoyed keeping up with her “stories” and puzzles every day and was often behind the camera capturing joyful memories of traveling, camping and boating with her family and friends.

Survivors include her three daughters, Becky Henry (Mike), Diane Malloy and Cindy Hollingsworth; her beloved grandchildren: James Henry, Pete Henry; Heather Martens (Jeff), Gian Malloy-Njagi (John), Michael Malloy (Lauren), Amanda Cox (Paul); Leann Krier (Tony) and Brian Hollingsworth (Jalysa); and nineteen great-grandchildren. There are also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom Laura loved.

Laura was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert, on March 17 of this year; her son-in-law, Mike Malloy, on March 4; her parents; her sister, Lois Jean Brown and brother-in-law, Harlan Brown.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66604, with a visitation one hour prior. Burial will take place immediately following the service at West Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Tecumseh United Methodist Church, PO Box 5, Tecumseh, KS 66542-0005, or to an organization close to your heart. 

The funeral service will be live-streamed and will begin 15 minutes before the service. To register to watch the live stream, please click the following link: Laura Dick Funeral Service Livesteam

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