Laura Friedareka Eschman Wilbur, 81, of Dresden, Ohio died Sunday morning, October 31, 2021 at the Genesis Morrison House Hospice, Zanesville, Ohio.
Born April 24, 1940 in Zanesville, she was a daughter of the late William Herman and Ula Mae (Little) Eschman and was a 1958 graduate of Dresden Jefferson High School. Laura earned her nursing certification at Good Samaritan Hospital and later went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her Master’s in Literature from Ohio University. She worked as a registered nurse for many years at Good Samaritan and was the head of the nursing program at Mid-East Career and Technology Center. She was also the Director of The Longaberger Health Clinic. Laura enjoyed square dancing, reading and gardening. She took pride in living on the family farm that has been part of her family’s history for over 100 years and four generations.
Surviving are her two daughters, Tami Longaberger of Alexandria, Virginia and Rachel (Todd) Stukey of Bexley, Ohio; eight grandchildren, Matthew Kaido, Claire Kaido, Kaitlin Schmidt, Dustin (Heather) Schmidt, Benjamin (Katherine) Schmidt, Rose Thomas, Isabelle Stukey and J. T. Stukey; four great grandchildren, Eva Carter, Stella Carter, Eira Carter and Huxley Schmidt. Also surviving is a dear friend of 75 years, Ruth Cunningham, of Dresden; a step-son, Jeff Wilbur and a cousin, Patti Ring Myers.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, David W. Longaberger and later married Jim Wilbur, who died July 13, 2014.
Calling hours for friends and family were held on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at the Dresden Chapel of Vensil & Chute Funeral Home, 714 Main Street with Pastor Dan Wells officiating.
