Laura Van Cleave

Laura E. Van Cleave, 78 passed away peacefully at her home in Burns after a short illness on September 11, 2020.

Laura was born in Idaho Falls, Id to Clifford and Norma Muncey on November 10, 1942. She graduated high school in Salmon, Id. On August 18, 1962 she married her husband Duane and they raised 3 children together. In 1981 the family moved to Burns where she became active in the community. She began working for HHOPE where she worked as the director for 32 years. Laura contributed immensely to the program until her retirement. Laura spent 8 years as a Burns City Councilor and went on to become Burns City Mayor for another 8 years. She was named Woman of the Year in 1998 by the Harney County Chamber of Commerce. She was a member of the Pioneer Presbyterian Church and enjoyed volunteering for the Harney County Senior Center. She was an avid and skilled crafter and loved making homemade gifts  and giving them away. Some of her favorite things to do was to read, camp, fish and work puzzle books.

Laura is survived by her husband Duane, daughter Lari Higgins and son-in-law Todd, sisters Connie Hurst and husband Donald, Diana Potoroff and husband Jim & Julie Pfenninger and husband Charles. Grandchildren Ty and Dallon Higgins and many, many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her sons Ryan and Jody. Her parents, brother Virgil & sisters Paula and Beaulah.

Funeral services for Laura will be held at the Burns Cemetery on September 19th at 11 o’clock.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Harney County Hospice or Pioneer Presbyterian Church.

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