Laura Phyllis O'Connell

Laura Phyllis O'Connell, born on January 31, 1961, in Whittier, California, passed away on May 1, 2025, at Hillcrest Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was a devoted wife, caring health professional, and treasured family member.

Laura dedicated numerous years to the nursing profession, where she touched countless lives with her compassion and expertise. For the first five years of her married life, she worked at NW Medical Center in Springdale, Arkansas, as the nursing home coordinator. She was responsible for overseeing all the laboratory testing in the area. Her passion for healing extended into her role as a massage therapist, allowing her to help others find comfort and relief.

An alumnus of Cypress College in Cypress, CA, Laura graduated with an associate's degree in 1985 and held a psychiatric technical nursing license, demonstrating her commitment to her education and career. She loved cooking and had a deep affection for horses and dogs.

Laura is survived by her loving husband, Mark O'Connell of Grove, OK; her brother, Alan McNaughton, and his wife, Denise of Denton, TX; as well as four cherished nephews; Ryan McNaughton, Nathan McNaughton, Jonathan McNaughton and Ryan Gruenenfielder, and five great nieces and nephews: Zion McNaughton, Aberdine 'Abby' McNaughton, Madelyn McNaughton, Georgia McNaughton, and Skye McNaughton. She also leaves behind many great nieces and nephews who will carry her memory into the future.

Laura was preceded in death by her father, Alton McNaughton; her mother, Jean McNaughton-Piper; and her sister, Donna Hamlyn.

Visitation will be held on May 16, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, located at 711 S Main St, Grove, Oklahoma, followed by a funeral service starting at 10:30 AM with Pastor Eric Thornburg officiating. Laura will be laid to rest in the Olympus North Cemetery in Grove.

As her family and friends gather to celebrate Laura's life, they will remember her warmth, kindness, and the indelible mark she left on each person she encountered. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.