Laura Wilson Mellor

Laura Wilson Mellor died on Nov. 27, 2018. Laura was born on Feb. 22, 1920, in Moberly, Missouri, to Anna and William Archer Wilson. She spent her childhood and adolescence in Moberly and graduated from Moberly High School in 1938. She attended Chillicothe Business College in Chillicothe, Missouri, where she met her husband, John Mellor. They were married Sept. 25, 1940, in Moberly. John served in the Navy during World War II. After the war, John and Laura lived in Baker until 1951, when they moved to Billings. John was a successful insurance salesman and Laura was a homemaker, raising their four children. Laura belonged to the Daughters of the Nile for many years. She served as a volunteer at Billings Deaconess Hospital for 25 years and, for that service, she received a lifetime achievement award from the hospital. Her plaque remains on the wall at the hospital to this day.

Laura did a superb job of raising four children whose dates of birth spanned 16 years. Laura and John traveled extensively, attending conventions in support of John's insurance business, as well as enjoying vacations in the U.S. and abroad. Laura quit smoking one day in 1960 and, a week later, long before running shoes were invented, she started jogging. Laura ran in sneakers. She ran five miles every day for almost 40 years. She and John were also avid bridge players, playing weekly with several good friends, an activity Laura continued for years after John's death. John and Laura both loved sports. They especially loved attending high school basketball and football games in the Billings area. They were also staunch supporters of the Billings Mustangs and rarely missed a baseball game in over 35 years. Laura was passionate about politics, and was involved in supporting candidates and issues on both the national and local level throughout her adult life. She was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Billings.

Laura was preceded in death by her husband, John; her grandson, Jeffrey; her sisters, Rose Henneberry and Hilma Carto; and her brother, William Archer Wilson. She is survived by her children Ron (Bobi) Mellor, John (Ellen) Mellor, Marsha Christensen and Tom (Maryann) Mellor; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Laura's children extend deep thanks to the employees of the West Park Village memory care unit for their many years of devoted care for Laura, and to Stillwater Hospice for their compassionate care in the last days of her life.

Cremation has taken place. A private memorial service for Laura will be held at a later date. Donations in her memory may be made to Stillwater Hospice or to the donor's charity of choice.