Laura Barnard

Laura Beth Barnard, 52, of Wood River and formerly of Edwardsville, Illinois, passed away at her home on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. She was born January 20, 1973, in Oxnard, California, a daughter of Alan Roy and Carolyn Grace (Rough) Barnard.

Laura was employed as a sales clerk at Target in Edwardsville and was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Glen Carbon. She was a 1991 graduate of Edwardsville High School and attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho from 1991 to 1994. Laura faithfully served a mission for her church in Tempe, Arizona. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Science and Human Service from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and continued her education while working toward a master’s degree.

Laura will be remembered for her generous spirit, thoughtful nature, and genuine kindness toward others. Her quiet strength, compassion, and love left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She was deeply cherished by her family and friends.

She is survived by her loving mother, Carolyn Barnard of Shiloh; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Michael David and Laura Barnard of Edwardsville and Aaron Glenn Barnard of Columbia, Missouri; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Amy Lynn and Mike Phillips of Fairview Heights, Jeanette Marie and Bill Karrow of Vandalia, and Karen Elizabeth and Mike Jacobs of Troy, Missouri; ten nephews; three nieces; her beloved dog, Joy; and many extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Alan Barnard; and her grandparents, Glenn and Irene Rough and Myrven and Ruth Barnard.

In celebration of Laura’s life, visitation will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2250 State Route 157 in Glen Carbon, on Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until the time of a memorial at 4:00 p.m., with Bishop Justin Porter officiating.

Memorials may be made to Dream Home Charities in Wood River.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.irwinchapel.com.

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home