Laura Belle Shoup Standish, age 91, of Knox, dearly beloved mother, grandma, great grandma and sister, passed away Monday morning, November 24, 2014 at the Serenity House in Shippenville.

She was born September 27, 1923 in Monroe, Beaver Township, Clarion County and resided there her entire life.

She married Joseph W. Standish on October 4, 1948 in Knox. He preceded her in death in 1987.

Laura was welcomed into heaven by her beloved husband, Joe and parents, Roy and Martha Belle (Mong) Shoup, and sisters: Doris (Shoup) Bodamer, Mildred (Shoup) Stants and Helen (Shoup) Grafton.

She will be missed by her children: Dr. Carol Gillespie and husband Mike; Mary Hissam and husband Michael; Thomas Standish and wife Diane; Jerry Standish and wife Sharon; Joseph Standish and her brother Roy Shoup, Jr.
Laura is also survived by her grandchildren: Melanie Parker- Alaspa and husband Bryan; Shawn Standish and wife Crystal; Adam Standish and wife Katie; Joshua Gillespie and wife Kelly; Kevin Gillespie and wife Kellie; David Gillespie and Noah Standish; Great Grandchildren: Camryn and Spencer Standish and Kaya and Kenley Gillespie, along with cousins and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was much loved by those who were lucky enough to be a part of her life. Family and faith meant everything to her.
Laura was a beautiful person with a generous spirit and was a wonderful mother, who raised her children with traditions, morals and principles.

She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as walking with friends, gardening and playing cards.

As a lifelong and active member of St. Mark’s Church of Christ in Monroe, Laura served as a deacon, taught Sunday School for 63 years and lived her faith on a daily basis. She worked for Owens-Illinois for nine years, Knox Glass for eight years, did accounting and booking for various Knox businesses and retired as a fiscal assistant after 15 years at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where she was also a union steward.

Laura volunteered at the Monroe Community Club for many years. After retiring she volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and helped in the building of a home.

She was a strong woman with a quick wit, great sense of humor and was admired by many for her wisdom and advice. She enriched the lives of all who knew her.

Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at the William N. Rupert Mortuary, Inc., 430 Mendenhall Avenue, Knox.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at the St. Mark’s United Church of Christ, 131 Monroe Church Road, Knox, with the Reverend Nancy Dunmire, Pastor of the church, officiating over the service.
Interment will follow in the Monroe Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the loving and compassionate care Laura received at the Clarion-Forest VNA Serenity House in Shippenville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in the name of Laura B. Standish to St. Mark’s United Church of Christ, Box 637, Knox, PA 16232 or Clarion/Forest VNA Hospice-Serenity House, 271 Perkins Road, Clarion, PA 16214

Online condolences may be sent to Laura’s family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com