Laura Hefelfinger Blue

Laura Lorene Blue, a cherished matriarch and faithful servant to the Lord, passed away on May 18, 2025, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 86. Born in Waco, Texas on January 24, 1939, Laura embraced life with a vibrant spirit, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion that will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Throughout her life, Laura had a passion for cooking and a never-ending love for her family. Her heart expanded with joy when surrounded by her loved ones, and she found happiness in the simplest of life's moments. In her younger years, Laura enjoyed playing softball with her family and friends, a testament to her playful nature and strong familial bonds. Laura also took delight in the thrill of a good game of bingo and the joy of dancing, particularly during gatherings where laughter and music filled the air.

Laura was the beloved mother of seven loving children, Rocky Hefelfinger and his wife Tracy, Debbie Crabb and her husband Gillie, Vickie Lankford, Kathy Whetstine, Patricia Atkinson and her husband Steve, Brenda Hefelfinger and her husband Greg, and Cindy Loving and her husband Jesse. She is also remembered fondly by her brother, Joe Walts Jr. and his wife Mel. The love she shared with her family extends through generations, as evidenced by her cherished grandchildren, Ryan Hefelfinger and his wife Tish, Mark Duncan and his wife Courtney, Jackie Forbus and her husband Vernon, Joshua Crabb and his wife Brittany, Sherry Hedges, Amanda Murihead and her husband David, Kristie Sanchez and her husband Luis, Kris Atkinson and his wife Sarah, TJ Moore, Tito Garcia, Michael Garcia, Brad Garcia and his wife Angel, Amy Swilley and her husband Garrett, DJ Elmore, and Emily Loving and Tyler McShan. Laura's legacy continues to shine through her great-grandchildren, Breyonna McKinney and husband Jake, Blake Forbus and Dakota White, Harper Crabb, Allison Muirhead, Jacob Muirhead, Sofia Rodriguez, Joseph Macias, Hailie Macias and Kade Hahs, Caitlyn Oliver and fiancé James Johnson, Gregory Ray and wife Haley, Hunter Ray, Dalton Garcia, Hanna Atkinson, Kayla Atkinson, Emma Atkinson, Tara Moore, Skylar Moore, Brynlee McShan; and great-great-grandchildren, Charlotte McKinney, Stetson Macias, Naomi Davis, Layla Dodd, Acen Greenwood, Sutton Ray, and Kollins Ray; whose lives have been touched by her loving spirit. Laura also leaves behind her beloved fur babies, her boys, Scooter and Manny.

While Laura brought immeasurable joy to her family, she also faced profound loss during her time on this earth. She was preceded in death by her husbands, James Hefelfinger and Clarence Blue; her beloved daughter, Vickie Lankford; grandson, Dustin Loving; granddaughter, Shanna Hedges; as well as her dear parents, Joe Walts Sr. and Nina Ruth Stone; and sisters, Laverne Hefelfinger and Lois Walts. The absence of her sons-in-law, Shorty Whetstine and Leslie Hedges, also leaves a void in the hearts of her family.

Laura Lorene Blue's warmth and devotion to her family and faith will forever remain a glowing memory in the lives she touched. Her visitation will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Neal Funeral Home, located at 200 South Washington Avenue, Cleveland, TX. A funeral service celebrating her remarkable life will be held the next day on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM, also at Neal Funeral Home. Interment for Laura will immediately follow at Kidd Cemetery in New Caney, Texas.

As her family gathers to honor her memory, they hold close the love she shared, the lessons she imparted, and the memories that will last a lifetime. Laura’s spirit will continue to inspire those who knew and loved her, a reminder of a life well-lived in kindness, joy, and faith.