Laura L. Fults, 79, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 5:56 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Marigold Health Care and Rehab, Galesburg.
She was born September 19, 1945 in Peoria, Illinois, the daughter of Fredrick C. and Frances E. (Bjork) Fults. She was raised in Peoria and married Larry Stone in Peoria in 1967. He preceded her in death as do her parents, a sister, and grandparents.
Laura is survived by a daughter, Lori Ann (Fults) Burkeen of Arizona, and two grandsons. She is also survived by her Galesburg family, the Guerreo’s. Helen was like a sister to Laura.
Laura was known as the “fearless firefighter.” She thought a lot of the Peoria Fire Department and got to know many of the Peoria firefighters when she fought to keep an engine in service, earning her nickname. After moving to Galesburg, Fearless took an opportunity to get to know the all the firemen at Galesburg Fire Department. She was fiercely protective of her firefighters.
Laura worked as a waitress in Peoria at Steak N Shake and Peoria Civic Center for many years. She was of the catholic faith and a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Galesburg. She was a member in good standing with Alcoholics Anonymous for many years. Laura loved to make people laugh and enjoyed life to the fullest. She helped serve food with the senior meals program at Sterling Towers while living in Peoria.
Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 11, 2024 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Deacon Michael Crummer will officiate. Burial of cremated remains will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed to Galesburg Fire Department Local #555, Peoria Fire Department Local #50, or the Vernon “Butch” Gudat Charitable Fund c/0 the Community Foundation of Central Illinois. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
