SPARTA – Laura L. Husband, 94, of Sparta (formerly Steeleville) passed away at 7:09 am, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Randolph County Care Center in Sparta, Illinois.

Laura was born on March 12, 1932, in Hurst, IL, to C. Edward and Iva Mae (Gregersen) Reams. She married Claude P. Husband on October 20, 1950, in Chester, IL, and they shared nearly 68 years of marriage together. He preceded her in death on October 13, 2018. Laura was a homemaker and also worked as a secretary. She attended Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in Rockwood, IL. Laura supported the American Red Cross blood drives.

Laura is survived by her children: Edie (James) Ernsting of Neemah, WI, Claude, Jr. (Elaine) Husband of Steeleville, IL and Emma (Paul) Wolters of Percy, IL; son-in-law, Robert Appel of Steeleville, IL, her 9 grandchildren: Sara Appel (Bryan White), Marc (Jaydee) Appel, Lance (Stephanie) Ernsting, Matt (Stephanie) Ernsting, Lori Beth (Jason) Helmers, Katie (Nathan) Schatte, Jessie (Adam) Henson, Melinda Wolters LaSalle and Rachel Wolters (Lance Picker); her13 great grandchildren: Caitlyn Appel, Jacob, Andrew, Alexander and William Ernsting, Hazel and Caroline helmers, Seth and Kody Schatte, Hailey and Herold Henson, Ada and Nyla Picker; and her sister, Mary Beth Scott.

Laura was also preceded in death by her parents, 10 brothers: Ed, Bob, Jim, Bill, Phil, Ken, Tom, Doug, Dave and John; 1 sister, Donna, and a daughter, Linda Appel.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, 11:00 am, at Wilson’s Funeral Home, Steeleville, IL, with Rev. Dr. Cecil T. Dunning officiating. Burial to follow at Mt. Summit Cemetery, Rockwood, IL. Visitation will be Saturday morning, May 23, 2026, where friends may call from 9:00 am until time of service at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Ebenezer Presbyterian Church or Mt. Summit Cemetery and can be mail to Wilson’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.