Laurie A. (Plant) Neal, age 60, of Troy, OH passed away on April 18, 2025. She was born on September 11, 1964, in Indiana, PA to the late Raymond A. and Gloria M. (Dell) Plant.

She is survived by her siblings: Brian Plant and Diane (Phil) Cline; brother-in-law: Kurt (Crista) Olson; nieces and nephews: Jennifer Olson, Steven (Lara) Olson, Kevin (Stephanie) Olson, Allison (Ryan) Sevigny and David Cline; great-nieces and a great-nephew: Layla, Nora, Paige and Carter Olson, and other extended family. In addition to her parents, Laurie was preceded in death by her sister: Pamela Olson.

Laurie was a 1982 graduate of Troy High School. Her last employment was with Insightful Eyewear in downtown Troy.

The most important thing to remember about Laurie is that she loved Jesus and is with him now. She found great comfort and was challenged to live like him through reading her Bible regularly. Her family knows she is at peace. Recently she had shared Psalm 62:5 with a friend: "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him." Faith, family and friends were her priorities.

Laurie was also a prayer warrior. She was part of a group of friends that consistently prayed for others and one another. She was faithful to check in to see how the prayers were being answered. She believed God was Healer, Provider, and that He loved her dearly.

Laurie naturally helped others who were struggling. She had a good "listening ear" and offered encouragement. She also cherished serving "the least of these" as Jesus commanded.

Laurie was a lover of music! She enjoyed the Dave Matthews Band, Springsteen, Jimmy Buffet, Journey, and Fleetwood Mac, along with many contemporary Christian artists. She attended numerous big-name concerts throughout the years, but she also enjoyed attending local concerts on the Square and at Treasure Island in Troy. If there was music being played, she wanted to be there. Dancing to music or worshiping God through music was a cherished bonus.

Laurie was an avid reader. She and her sister Diane liked recommending books to one another and chose books recommended by their mother who kept a running list of her favorites. Laurie was eager to share her books but asked for them to be returned in case she wanted to enjoy them a second time. She was part of a Book Club for several years and maintained close friendships with those in it.

Gardens and flowers were very special to Laurie. Her clothing choices reflected the bright and beautiful colors of nature. Everyone who knows her will remember her beautiful dresses.

There were many other activities Laurie appreciated. She liked attending theater productions. One of the more recent productions was Hamilton which she experienced with her best friend. The Steelers and the Reds were her teams, and she had jewelry to prove it. If it was possible, she didn't miss a game.

A visitation time will be held for family and friends from 5:00 to 6:00 PM on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Baird Funeral Home. The Celebration of Life will follow at 6:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Paul Baker. All are welcome to attend.

Memorial contributions may be made to the James Cancer Hospital for breast cancer research. Condolences may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.

James Cancer Hospital for Breast Cancer Research
460 W. 10th Avenue, Columbus OH 43210