Laura Beggs

Laura Hattie Ochs Beggs, 91, of Jackson died Friday, May 21, 2004, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Jan. 19, 1913, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Theodore and Bertha Popp Ochs. She and William H. Beggs were married Jan. 21, 1932, at Anna, Ill. He preceded her in death July 16, 1981.

She was a homemaker and worked with her husband and sons in Pioneer Orchards, which her father, Theodore Ochs, founded in 1923. Laura was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau. She was instrumental in organizing the Trinity Lutheran Preschool Unit and active in the PTL in which she held various offices. Laura also taught Sunday school many years in Cape Girardeau and Jackson. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson, where she had been active in the Ladies Aid and JOY group.

Loving survivors include three sons, William J. Beggs (Shirley) of Cape Girardeau, Stanley K. Beggs (LaDonia) and Sam K. Beggs (Margaret) of Jackson; 10 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by two sisters, one brother and an infant son.

Friends may call at St. Paul Lutheran Church from 9 a.m. until time of service, Monday, May 24. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the church, with the Rev. Robert Henrichs officiating.

Interment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the St. Paul Lutheran Church Organ Fund or to the Lutheran Home.