Laura May (Davidson) Hackworth was born on May 4, 1931, in Murdo, South Dakota. She was the 9th child of 10 born to Emroy “Roy” Farmer Davidson and his wife Opal L. (Chatterton) Davidson. Her family later moved to a farm near Wessington, South Dakota where she grew to adulthood.
She was united in marriage to Henry P. Patzer: December 22, 1953, at Gainesville, Texas. She was later united in marriage to George Hackworth: November 22, 1962, in Sturgis, South Dakota.
Laura lived in a dorm, while she attended high school at the Free Methodist Church High School at Wessington Springs. She later graduated from the Wessington Springs Junior College with a two-year teaching degree. Laura took courses during many summers. She taught, waitressed, and cooked, while raising a family. She eventually obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in teaching, from Black Hills State Teacher’s College in Spearfish.
Laura taught several years in eastern South Dakota before moving to west river. She taught for approximately 27 years including in the Faith, Sturgis, and Philip areas. She taught at a country school in Old Trail and Enterprise until 1977. She then moved back to Sturgis and worked until she retired as a social service employee. Retirement included: helping Ed on the fruit truck and being a manager of the Park Avenue Laundromat for Ron Johnson. Laura and George became active members of the Blessed Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
Laura also enjoyed spending time with family and helping to take care of her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and whoever else came wandering her way. There was never a stranger, just someone they never met yet. She also enjoyed gardening and especially loved her roses. Laura enjoyed quilting as well.
Laura was a very dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and a great friend to anyone that she would meet. Everyone was family, and if you came during dinner time there was always enough food to feed anyone that came through the door. She was also known as the Cookie Grandma and Great-Grandma (GG).
Survivors including eight daughters, Lorraine Barden of Blackhawk; June (Wayne) Overland of Union Center; Mary Jo (LeRoy) Hix of Box Elder; Judy (Carl) Peterson of Rapid City; Debbie (Marty) Hansen of Philip; Bonnie (James) Tallmon of Austin, TX; Georgia (Harlan) Moos of Philip; and Teresa (Brian) Littleton of Whitewood; son-in-law Rob Smith of Union Center; brother-in-law Charles from Wyoming; sister-in-law Annie Navin of Rapid City; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband George; her parents; three infant children; nine siblings; two daughters Ada Shanholtzer and Kay Smith; a grandson Frank Barden; and a great-granddaughter Kendall Vasknetz.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 with a prayer service at 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 3 at the United Church in Philip.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 4 at the United Church in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney and Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating.
Interment will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, December 4 at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
Guest Book
Wherever Laura was and whatever she did, she had an exuberance and zest for it! What a spark plug to be around. Cherish your memories, tell the stories and know that you had an extraspecial person in your lives. Hugs.
~ Nancy Ekstrum
Green Valley, AZ (11/29/2017)
So sad to hear about the loss of Aunt Laura, Our prayers to out to you all, her memories will always be in our hearts.. Prayers and Hugs
The Larry & Louise Walker Family
~ Louise Walker
Garrison , MN (12/2/2017)
So sad to hear about your loss. Laura was a great influence on me as I went through my school years. She was a wonderful teacher and a kind woman.
~ Deb Reed
Murdo, SD (12/1/2017)
My dear sweet cousins - Your mom would have been very pleased with her service, and the fact that you all held each other and supported each other during this time. I can only imagine her dancing and singing in the presence of our Lord and Savior. She has been reunited with our families and that joyous pain free eternal home. I love you all pray you feel the love and support of all of us. Love, Ione
~ Ione
Lakeville, MN (12/6/2017)
We are so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our prayers.
~ Larry and Julie McLaughlin
Midland, SD (12/2/2017)
So sorry to hear of this great lady passing by she was such a nice person to all she met We will all miss her a lot.
~ Punky Barden
Sturgis SD (11/29/2017)
Dear Family
What a joy to have met Laura. She always brought a smile to my face and made me feel special. We had lots of visits at work. In meeting such a great lady, I was also blessed to have gotten to know some of her girls and man was she proud of her family!!!
I will cherish the "good bye my little exercise lady" as I walked out the door from work last sunday! She wore me out that day, man was she on a roll!
God bless all of you and may you continue to feel her love in every day. Her light continues to shine very brightly all around us!
Hugs and prayers to all of you
David, Michelle, Kelcey, Katie and Lukas Butler
~ Michelle Butler
Philip SD (11/29/2017)
So sorry for your loss, she was always a joy to visit with every time she came into the restaurant. She will be greatly missed.
~ Brad Hansen
Rapid City (12/1/2017)
Sad for your loss everybody that knew n loved her. She was a nice Lady and it was so obvi she loved her fam n they loved her. Hold on tight to the too many to count fond memories and time you shared. ~Hugs~ n Love all around.
~ Melanie
(11/28/2017)
I love you Grandma I want me to go with all my heart with your to jenika Jonathan Jaylynn Jeremiah jayme we love miss u
love scott hix
~ Scott hix
Sioux falls (1/21/2018)
Dear Georgia, Debbie and all, My deepest sympathy to your families. Your mom was a dear when I would walk by in the nursing home, always a smile and a hello. She was a joy. Blessings to all of you.
~ Kay Foland
Rapid City (11/30/2017)
So sorry to learn of Laura's passing. Our family has been friends of the Hackworth Family for over 70 years. They are the best. Our prayers to all the family {most importantly to Chuck and Anne}
~ Joyce {Goff} Bailey, Ben & Bruce
Port Huron, Michigan (12/3/2017)
Mom you are so happy now being with Jesus. I'll always remember all the happy memories growing up even with the unpleasant times. Did you see your mom , dad, my little twin brother, Katie, Ada and all that have gone before you? We love you. The last day that we spent together was Sunday for nursing home church you were so happy to see me and then we went for a walk. I sang to you all the way back to the nursing home. Did you love my song I sang to you at your funeral? There are so many things that flood my mind, we are blessed to have you as a mother. I see you walking, and taking care of your garden, quilting, and maybe a little visit with your family. I see you walking in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. love and prayers always Debbie
~ Debbie & Marty Hansen
PO BOX 331 Philip SD 57567 (12/6/2017)
So very sorry for your loss. Laura was such a sweet lady. She left you all with wonderful memories.
~ DJ and Brenda Werlinger and family
Whitewood, SD (11/29/2017)
We are so sorry for your lose. Heaven gained a wonderful lady. Aunt Laura will always be remembered for her love and care of all of us. She would always make us feel loved and welcomed. We hope all your memories will keep her close and alive in your hearts. It was so great to see you and to be able to visit. May our great God comfort you all and give you peace!! I’m sure they are all having a great party in heaven together!!!
~ Chuck and Denise Engberg
Bloomington MN (12/6/2017)
Sorry for your loss what a wonderful lady she was she reached out to so many
~ Judy Bergman
Rapid City, South Dakota (11/29/2017)
Wherever Laura was and whatever she did, she had an exuberance and zest for it! What a spark plug to be around. Cherish your memories, tell the stories and know that you had an extraspecial person in your lives. Hugs.
~ Nancy Ekstrum
Green Valley, AZ (11/29/2017)
So Sorry for your loss, Praying for the family.
~ George & Gail Swindle
Shady Point OK (11/30/2017)