Laura Goetz

Laura Ann Goetz, 77, of Oakley, KS died Friday, February 7, 2025, at Hays Medical Center. She was born November 19, 1947, in Flagler, CO to George and Mary Maurath. She graduated from Oakley High School in 1965. On September 4, 1970, she married the love of her life, William “Bill” Andrew Goetz.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, sister Beatta Robben, infant sisters Arlene and Mary, sister-in-law Pauline Maurath and brother-in-law Joe Heskett.

She is survived by her children, Lisa (James) Cox, of Newton, Amy Thrasher, of Oakley, Neil Goetz, of Palm Springs, CA, Cara Goetz, of Oakley, and Jason (JP) Goetz, of Fort Lauderdale, FL; grandchildren, Camilla (Justin) Panariello, of Punta Gorda, FL, Neil Goetz, Jr., of Palm Springs, CA, Amber Cox and Andrea Cox of Newton and Corey Thrasher, of Goodland; great-grandson, Hank Panariello, of Punta Gorda, FL; and sisters and brothers Clem Maurath, Elmer Maurath, Laverna (Elmer) Hartman and Rosalee Heskett; as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and friends.

Laura’s family was first and foremost in her life, always. She was a loving wife and a wonderful mother, who loved her children and grandchildren tremendously and would do anything for them. She loved visiting with family and friends while reminiscing over stories and old photographs, and she always looked forward to making candy and cookies for the holidays. She enjoyed taking trips and spending any time that she could with her sisters at a cabin in Colorado, as well as listening to her favorite artist, Elvis Presley. She was a proud member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and also the Daughters of Isabella.

Laura was a woman of faith, integrity and compassion. She would always be the first to help anyone who was in need. As a younger woman, she and her husband Bill enjoyed playing cards with their friends, being social, and they were members of many bowling leagues.

She truly impacted the lives of anyone she met and did not care who you were, where you came from, what you believed in, or who you chose to love. She always found love, insight and the good in anyone, just by listening to their stories, comparing how they related to her upbringing and how things were “back then”. Her empathy, generosity, friendly embrace, and loving manner will be missed by many, but her legacy will never be forgotten.

Visitation is from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley, with a Vigil at 6:00 pm. The Funeral Mass is at 10:00 am, Monday, February 17, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oakley, with burial to follow at the St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association and can be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or online condolences please visit: www.baalmannmortuary.com