Laura Lorraine (Slayton) Young, 73, of Benton, IL, passed away Sunday, November 1, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born on July 18, 1953, in Madison County, Illinois, the daughter of Freeman and Viola (Stricker) Slayton. She married Michael Young on February 13, 1999, and he survives.
Laura had a heart with room for everyone. Her capacity to love and care for others seemed to have no limit. Whoever needed her, she showed up, and she gave of herself without ever keeping score. She was one of the strongest people her family has ever known, and that strength was always in service of the people she loved.
That same tender heart extended to every animal that crossed her path. She had an incredible love for animals, and no creature in need ever went without her kindness.
Her family was her greatest accomplishment in life.
She is survived by her loving husband of 27 years, Michael Young; her daughters, Amy Shelton, Shelby McCoy, and Shannon Young Carpenter; her sons, Bill (Tracy) McCoy, Keith (Heather) Young, and Erik Young; her grandchildren, Emma, Claire, Jake, Hannah, Lyla, Max, Quinn, Lincoln, April, Sydnie (Dylan), Jennifer, Kim, Kailyn (Hunter), and Jaylee; her sister, Patricia Kash; her brother, John Slayton; and several great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and close friends.
Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Freeman and Viola Slayton; her brothers, Bill, Don, and Bob Slayton; and her nephew, Donnie Ray Slayton.
Visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton, with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Burial will follow in the Denning Cemetery of West Frankfort. Family and friends are invited to return to the church for a meal.
Services are under the direction of the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Southern Illinois Cancer Institute of Carterville and will be accepted at the services.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Laura, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
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