Mary Katheryn Laughter Obituary (1943 - 2026)

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Mary Katheryn Laughter, age 82, went “[gently] into that good night” (Dylan Thomas) while staying overnight at Ogden Regional Medical Center for observation and tests. She was born on November 29, 1943, in Ogden, Utah, to Keith Palmer Blanch and Pearl Berrett Blanch. The oldest of four girls, Mary grew up on a dairy farm in Plain City, which remained her true hometown even after she later resided in Ogden. Mary married Nicholas Laughter on October, 31, 1964, and their union was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple on December 3, 1969. Her upbringing on the family dairy farm fostered a lifelong love of all things Holstein, black-and-white cows—which was reflected in her extensive collection of sweaters, pillows, towels, pictures, and knick-knacks. Mary was a naturally social person who enjoyed visiting with family and friends by phone or Facebook, attending reunions and parties, and meeting new people at the North Ogden Senior Center. She cherished her family, ward family, friends, and neighbors; and she had a special fondness for the color red. After Nick’s passing, she especially looked forward to Family Home Evening and the Friday-night socials with her ward family. In her later years, Mary Katheryn managed the challenges of neuropathy and diabetes, which made mobility difficult. Her family extends heartfelt thanks to her ward family and friends (Sharon and Ina) for the loving care and patience they provided. Mary found great joy in life’s simple pleasures: scrapbooking, camping in the mountains, watching movies, decorating for holidays, and sharing good meals and conversation with loved ones. When she was able, she enjoyed walking and biking. She had a remarkable talent for creating handmade gifts and loved to crochet, knit, and quilt. She made wedding and baby blankets for her own children as well as all 22 of her nieces and nephews. Anyone close to Mary Katheryn likely received one of her thoughtfully handmade creations. She also had a deep love for animals, especially her cats and dogs. The essence of Mary Katheryn is captured in the words, “I did it my way,” from her favorite song; “My Way” by Elvis Presley. She was a determined, clever, and resourceful woman who always had a knack for making things happen in her own way; she marched to the beat of her own drum. Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Nicholas C. Laughter, and her son-in-law, Shay Sangberg. She is survived by her four children: Melissa D. Laughter, Shawna Laughter Sangberg, Cameron (Wendy) Laughter, and Brandon (Sarah) Laughter; and seven grandchildren: Amber J. Laughter, Morgan A. Ipaktchian, Cannon L. Laughter, Brody B. Laughter, Chase C. Laughter, Renoe S. Sangberg, Memphis S. Sangberg. We find comfort knowing that Mom has been reunited with her husband and her beloved grandmas and now rests in the light, love, and peace of our Savior. In the vast ocean of humanity, Mary Katheryn was a single drop whose unique color and contrast added to the shimmer and beauty of the whole. Services will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026; viewing begins at 9:30 a.m. with services following, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 373 15th Street, Ogden, Utah. Interment will follow at the Plain City Cemetery, 4373 West 1975 North, Ogden, Utah. Please help us celebrate Mary by sharing memories and uploading photos to her memorial page at https://www.myers-mortuary.com/obituaries/mary-katheryn-laughter. Services entrusted to Myers Mortuary in Ogden.