Patti P. Laughlin

Patti Pearl Laughlin (nee Vandenburg), of Defiance, MO, passed away Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at the age of 84. Beloved wife of David Laughlin; devoted mother of Debbie (Don) Guenther and Judy (Gary Johnson) Wellington; loving grandmother of Jennifer (Jeff Jaskot) Guenther, Blake (Laura) Wellington, Melanie (Daniel) Reid, Chase (Paige) Wellington, Courtney Guenther, and Parker Wellington; treasured great-grandmother of Haylee Wellington; dear sister of Melvin (Mary Lou) Vandenburg; cherished aunt of many; dear friend of Thom (Debbie) Wellington. Patti is also preceded in death by her mother and father, Robert and Lilly Vandenburg, and her older siblings, Ellis, Glen, Herman, Ida Mae, Jack, Donald, Bertha, Bill, and Eddie.  

Patti would have been married to David for 65 years on October 19, 2022. Born and raised on a farm in Nevada, MO, Patti and David met and married in Kansas City and lived in TX, CA, and NY. They enjoyed taking their daughters in their camper around the country to many beautiful and historical places and they hosted 30+ years of extended family holiday get-togethers once they returned to Missouri (Ballwin) in 1971. Patti was generous, kind, and cheerful. She was a loving and dedicated mother and grandmother who treasured her time taking all six grandchildren to fun places such as the St. Louis Zoo, the City Museum, and the Magic House. She enjoyed having them spend the night and taking them on camping trips. Patti's real estate career spanned 17 years in corporate relocation. Patti was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. David will miss having her always by his side and will especially miss her beautiful smile.