Obituary of Laura Ellen Holden

Laura Ellen Slagle Holden died on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at 3:10 p.m. Born in a hollow in Lauada, NC, the daughter of Catherine Byrd Slagle and Nelson Clyde Slagle, she transcended this earthy realm surrounded by her two daughter-in-law's, Ravita Maharaj Holden and Laura Barker Holden, and two dear friends, after a long and valiant fight in ICU. There are not word to describe the hole which will be left as a result of her passing. She is survived by one sister, Catherine Slagle Wiggins, and one brother, Clinton Slagle. She is also survived by her sons, Robert Ethan Holden, and William Nelson "Neil" Holden. And her adored grandchildren: Ethan and Ravita's children, Sage and Liam, and Neil and Laura's children, Kendra, Christopher, Conner and Will Tom. Mom told as a girl she walked to school on a path of apple blossoms. I imagine as she passed over she again found her feet walking on those pink petals again. Heart filled with joy, barefooted, she broke into a run to meet again with loved ones who preceded her in death. Her beloved Poppy and Mommie Byrd, her mother and father, her sisters Elizabeth Slagle, and Carolyn Slagle Lindsay, and her second dad, Robert Lindsay, and nephew, Robbie Lindsay. While heart broke at her passing, we are joyful she has shed her mortal coils, and her spirit, lovely and bright, is finally home again. Laura was a force of nature. Her mother died when she was eight years old, followed quickly by Mommie and Poppy, so she grew up quick and tough, preferring overalls to petticoats. She often said her life began with the birth of her children and that is when she really learned what love meant. Her career was Mom. She did all kinds of jobs throughout her life, but what she would say was her number one pride and joy was her job, her role, as a mother. There has never been a better one. She was an avid reader, struggling painter, cook extraordinaire, and expert gardener. Everything she made was good for you, because even brownies have eggs in them. During her life she perfected biscuits and gravy, and pintos and cornbread, and brownies, for her brood through moves to Texas, Arizona, Kansas, Utah, and finally again back to the mountains of NC. She often said in laughter and in frustration that her sons would be the death of her. Too often she had good reason to say so, which now will always be remembered with a smile and a maybe a tear. She loved her sons, their wives, and those adorable grandchildren with all of her being. All of it. Even when you tag Montgomery Wards with "Love u Mom." Per her wishes a private party for friends and family, "with good food, and lots of laughter" will be held at Aunt Carolyn's place.