Laura Freidel Venables

January 25, 1932 - August 23, 2018

Laura Freidel Venables, 86, of Laurel, devout Christian, devoted wife, mother and grandmother, went home to her heavenly family on Thursday, August 23, 2018.She was preceded in death by a son, Jim. Her parents, George and Hazel Freidel also preceded her in death. She grew up on a farm near Seaford with her brother George, Jr. and sister Doris. She loved the farm and especially loved horses. When she was a teenager, she met the love of her life, Robert Venables. After a brief courtship, they were married. This year would have marked their 65th wedding anniversary. They had a beautiful marriage that produced six children, 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Laura and Bob were avid members of Centenary United Methodist Church in Laurel for over 50 years. Laura loved to sing in the choir and rarely missed an opportunity to praise God as a faithful servant to her church and community. Laura had worked at Sussex Trust and for WV Venables construction company. She will be missed by those who survive her a loving husband Honorable Robert Venables, children Lee (Sarah), Beth Messick (Bobby), Blair (Allison), Jeanne Wood (Patrick), Chip (Jodi), brother-in-law Bill Venables (Joan). Grandchildren Drew, Paige, Dustin, Grey, Hannah, Amy and Nathan Venables, Josh and Jared Messick, Ryne (Kayla), Grace, Jim and Lara Lee Wood, Hannah and Travis Venables, and great-children Abel, Owen and Job Wood. A Viewing will be held at Centenary United Methodist Church in Laurel on Tuesday, August 28th at Noon with funeral following at 2 PM. The Rev. Dean Perdue will officiate. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Laurel. Arrangements are being handled by Hannigan, Short, Disharoon in Laurel. In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made in her memory to Centenary UMC, 200 W. Market St., Laurel, DE 19956 or Alzheimer’s Association, 108 N. Bedford St., Georgetown, DE 19947.