Laurie R. Callas was born on Aug. 9, 1954, in Sidney, Montana, to Al and Carlyle Redfield. She had two older sisters, Terry and Jamie.
At some point in her very young life, Laurie and her family moved to Spokane, Washington, and later to Tacoma, Washington. Laurie attended Park Avenue Elementary School, Baker Junior High and was a proud Mt. Tahoma T-Bird, graduating in 1972. Laurie went to Washington State University, Fort Steilacoom College and Clover Park Technical College.
In April 1970, Laurie met a boy named Tom Callas. They dated for a while and eventually married in Tacoma on Jan. 19, 1974. Their first home was in Fallbrook, California. Tom was in the Marine Corps at the time. They lived in 15 different homes during their lives together.
Laurie and Tom have three children: Christie, Jeremy and Angie. They also have seven grandchildren.
Laurie worked at various jobs, mainly in the dental field. She also volunteered at youth organizations for her children, coached some of their team sports and was on the PTO of their school. Laurie was very active in her churches, including the past seven years at Onalaska Church of God where she was the church treasurer, and took on many other responsibilities. Laurie was very devoted to her faith in Jesus.
Laurie passed away peacefully at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington, on Dec. 6, 2024, with Tom and their three children at her side.
Laurie leaves behind Tom, her husband of nearly 51 years; her children, Christie (Jason) Hoskins, Jeremy (Nicole) Callas and Angie Callas; grandchildren, Zach, Carly, Anna, Sarah, Evelyn, Nolan and Ben; her sisters, Terry (Roger) Fulwider and Jamie (Herm) Pruyser; sister-in-law, Barbara (Bob) Brooke; too many nieces and nephews to count; and countless friends.
A celebration of Laurie's life will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 4, 2025, at Onalaska First Church of God, 133 Third Ave.
