FREEMAN, Laura Lee

Mohave Daily News, Mohave Valley, AZ - Published in Mohave Daily News Online from April 11 to April 18, 2012 - Laura Lee Freeman, age 73, a 36-year resident of Fort Mohave, Ariz., entered peacefully into Heaven at her home on Friday, April 6, 2012. Laura was born on March 22, 1939, in Basco, Ill. to Clarence and Bernice Harrison. Laura met and married Duane Freeman in Burnside, Ill. on June 22, 1958, and they shared 53 wonderful years together. In 1976, Laura and her family moved to Fort Mohave, Ariz., where she and Duane owned and operated a restaurant and bookstores in three different locations in the Fort Mohave and Bullhead City area. She and her husband currently own the Paperback Book Exchange in Bullhead City. She was a Past Madam President of the Eagles Women's Auxiliary. During her term, she raised the third highest amount in the U.S. for juvenile diabetes. Laura endured 62 years with diabetes and was awarded a 50-year Silver medal from the Eli Lilly Diabetes Journey Awards program, in addition to a 50-year bronze medal from the Harvard Joslin Diabetes Center. Laura touched the lives of many with her love of cooking, sharing stories and spending time with her friends and family. Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Bernice Harrison, and her infant son, Gregory Keith. Laura is survived by her husband, Duane; two sons, Alan (Jenny) of Moapa, Nev., and Daren of Fort Mohave, Ariz.; daughter, Becky (Jon) Schlussler of Elk Grove, Calif.; sister, Beverly (Tom) Frey of Savoy, Ill.; brother, Don (Connie) Harrison of Belvidere, Ill.; 11 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren; one niece; and two nephews. No local services will be held. Laura will be laid to rest in Pilot Grove Township, Ill. next to her son, Gregory. .