Laurel Lee Hutchinson

Laurel Lee Hutchinson, 94, a longtime resident of Augusta, KS, joined her heavenly father on Tuesday, August 8th, 2023 surrounded by her family.
Laurel was born in Big Springs, NE on August 17th, 1928 to the late Nettie Clare (Brown) and Dr. Harry Benjamin Linch. Laurel was proud of her family history, as her grandfather was a Civil War veteran, her father, uncle, brother and son were all dentists and her mother was forever a Texan.
After graduating from Morrill High School in 1946, Laurel went on to graduate from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 1950. She started her career in education with her first kindergarten class in Colorado Springs, CO that same year. She would go on to teach kindergarten at Lincoln Elementary School in Augusta, KS for 32 wonderful years, retiring in 1992. Laurel loved children, and teaching kindergarten was a perfect match for her loving, caring and patient personality. Teaching was her passion and her mission was to start little ones on the right path early in their life’s journey. Oftentimes children think of their kindergarten teacher as their second mother – a role Laurel absolutely relished.
On June 16th, 1984 she married Charles “Chuck” Hutchinson. Together they enjoyed traveling, spending time with friends and spoiling their grandchildren. Laurel loved and cared for Chuck until his passing in 2018.
Laurel was heavily involved in her community as she had served on the Augusta Public Library Board, was a 70+ year member of PEO, attended First Baptist Church of Augusta for 68 years, and was a member of Book Club, Circle and Junior Forum. She also enjoyed reading, knitting, cross-stitching, volunteering and could spend hours talking with friends on the telephone.
Laurel had so much love for her family, was a proud Nebraska Cornhusker, enjoyed her 35 years as an educator and had countless amazing friendships over the nearly 95 years of her life. Her easy smile, kind words and abundance of love will be greatly missed.
Laurel is survived by a son, Kent Keethler (Linda) of Sedalia, MO; grandchildren, Seth Keethler (Stephanie) of Smithville, MO and Erin Drum (Kio) of Kansas City, MO; great-granddaughters, Addison Keethler and Maya Drum; a very special niece, Lisa Linch Lane; and a close friend and caregiver, Kandi Parsons. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck Hutchinson, whom she dearly loved, her brother, Jack Linch, and wife, Doni; nephew, Lee Linch; and stepson, Kent Hutchinson.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 17th from 6 PM to 8 PM at Headley Funeral Chapel in Augusta. Funeral service at 10 AM Friday, August 18th at First Baptist Church in Augusta with Pastor Terry Deaver officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Augusta.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Pre-School, 1501 State St, Augusta, KS 67010.