Laura Harris
May 13, 1961 - June 20, 2026
Care Cremation & Funeral Service
May 13, 1961 - June 20, 2026
Laura Christine Harris was born on May 13, 1961 in Little Rock, Arkansas but grew up most of her early life in Manhattan, Kansas before moving to Lexington, Kentucky where she lived out her adult life following college. Laura passed away on June 20, 2026 after a serious car accident. She graduated from Manhattan Sr. High School in 1979 and then obtained her Bachelors degree in Kinesiology from Kansas State University in 1983. Her father Stanley Grant Harris precedes Laura in death. Her spouse Linda Curd; mother Carol O'Neill; sister Charlotte Harris; brother Steve Harris, niece Jaedyn Harris, and numerous cousins survive Laura. In addition, Laura is survived by her sister-in-law Debbie Conley; brothers-in-law Chuck Curd (Jennifer); Mitch Curd; Mike Curd (Jewel); 7 nieces and nephews; and 4 great nieces and nephew. She is also survived by hundreds of "framily", friends, co-workers, and her beloved fur baby Bella.
Laura recently retired from the Department of Agronomy, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture with over 40 years of service. She was successful in a variety of Departmental programs and supported many students and faculty in conducting multi decades of research. Laura was appreciated for being versatile, adaptive, up for new challenges and committed to the success of the Department, and especially appreciated for her can do attitude and strong work ethic.
Laura's dedication and work ethic extended to her community with her involvement in the Lexington Fairness Ordinance; producing events for women's theatre, art and music; the Creative Camera Club; and organizing many hiking and backpacking trips. She was always the designated photographer for all friends and family events.
Laura had a colorful personality who brought visual arts to her work and personal projects with a variety of Key and Duluth Trading brand overalls, colorful flags, buckets, data sheets, pens and a series of group photos capturing fun memories. Laura worked in agriculture and loved everything green especially the great outdoors. She brought much joy and humor to everyone she met. Those who knew and loved her will miss her sparkling eyes, kind heart, and beautiful smile.
Laura recently retired from the Department of Agronomy, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture with over 40 years of service. She was successful in a variety of Departmental programs and supported many students and faculty in conducting multi decades of research. Laura was appreciated for being versatile, adaptive, up for new challenges and committed to the success of the Department, and especially appreciated for her can do attitude and strong work ethic.
Laura's dedication and work ethic extended to her community with her involvement in the Lexington Fairness Ordinance; producing events for women's theatre, art and music; the Creative Camera Club; and organizing many hiking and backpacking trips. She was always the designated photographer for all friends and family events.
Laura had a colorful personality who brought visual arts to her work and personal projects with a variety of Key and Duluth Trading brand overalls, colorful flags, buckets, data sheets, pens and a series of group photos capturing fun memories. Laura worked in agriculture and loved everything green especially the great outdoors. She brought much joy and humor to everyone she met. Those who knew and loved her will miss her sparkling eyes, kind heart, and beautiful smile.
Laura's spouse and family would like to thank the entire UK Hospital Trauma, Cardiology, and other Specialty teams for their amazing care and treatment during this difficult time. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Lexington Humane Society or Lexington Pride Center (office@pridecenter.org).
In Kansas, to Manhattan Municipal Band (MMB)
Publication date: June 30, 2026