Laura Belle McKittrick Ingraham

Laura Belle McKittrick Ingraham,100, of The Palmetto's Assisted Living in Greenville,SC passed away on June 9, 2016 after a brief illness. Born on April 19, 1916, she was the daughter of the late Walter D. & Florella Counts McKittrick of Wilson, Kansas. She was pre-deceased by a son, Mark Albert Ingraham in February 1967, her husband Harry Alexander Ingraham in March 1986 and her brother, Harry Counts McKittrick of Arlington, VA. in August 2008. She was a 1938 graduate of Park College in Parkville, Missouri graduating with honors and an AB Degree in Mathematics and a minor in Education. While attending Park College, Laura participated in the college chorus, band, orchestra, and soloed in flute. After graduation from Park College, she taught Math at the Elementary and Junior High level for 5 years in Kansas. In 1943 she began working as a Mathematician in the Ballistic Research Division at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. In July 1947 she married Harry Ingraham from Elba, NY and became an "instant" mother to his four children ages 8 to 2: Mark Albert, Liane Louise, Larry Thomas & Cheryl Elaine and then,in 1949, their daughter, Marilyn Jane, made 5. They lived on a dairy farm near Albion, NY. Laura was an active member and elected deacon of the Barre Center Presbyterian Church. In 1960, the family - including 5 children, 2 dogs, 3 cats, a horse and a herd of dairy cattle - moved to a cattle and horse farm in Laurens County, SC. She was an active member of the Ora Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Ora, SC, singing in the choir and serving as pianist and historian for the church for a number of years. She taught math at Gray Court-Owings for 18 years. Laura was a charter board member and tutor of the Laurens County Literacy Council. In April 1992, she was recognized for 10+years of service in The S.C. Adult Literacy Association. In 1999, Laura moved to The Martha Franks Retirement Center in Laurens, SC. where she became active in the choir at The First Presbyterian Church in Laurens & The Martha Franks Singers choir singing & playing the flute. In May of 2014 she moved to The Palmetto's Assisted Living in Greenville, to be closer to family. Laura loved her family, gardening, playing the organ, piano and her flute, playing Scrabble (and winning - which she did right up to shortly before her death!!),and doing crossword & jigsaw puzzles.

She is survived by her children, Liane Louise Ingraham Hill of Albion,NY (Roger/deceased), Larry Thomas Ingraham (Linda) of Gray Court, SC, Cheryl Elaine Ingraham Dover of Roebuck, SC & Marilyn Jane Ingraham Parris (Tom) of Greenville, SC., 7 Grandchildren,11Great Grandchildren, 2 nephews and 1 great niece.

A celebration of Laura's life will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, at the Ora Associate Presbyterian Church 23420 Hwy 221, Gray Court, SC 29645. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held in the church Social Hall following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, memorials made be made to The Ora Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church General Fund, 23420 Hwy 221,Gray Court, SC 29645 or to The Laurens County Literacy Society, 221 West Laurens St., Laurens, SC 29360. Online condolences may be sent to the family via www.cremation-sc.com .