Laura Jean Latham, 70, of Mattawan, Michigan, passed away on November 3, 2026, in the arms of her husband, the love of her life, and surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 3, 1956, in Marshalltown, Iowa.

Laura will be remembered as a woman of tenacity who found joy in her family, music, and faith. She loved playing the piano, especially in church, where her music was an expression of faith and heart. She equally loved playing the piano for Mattawan Schools, where she became the adopted mom to many hundreds of students over the years. When not playing piano, Laura found joy spending time in her garden, tending it with care and finding peace in its beauty. Above all, Laura adored her husband, Jeff, and cherished the life they shared together. Marrying Jeff on June 30, 2019 was a singular joy in her life and marked the beginning of a treasured chapter filled with love and companionship.

She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey Latham; her mother, Norma Fritsch; her children, Robert (Ashley) Bettig, Stephanie (Austin) Estes, Matthew Bettig, and Rebecca (Tomos Dobson) Bettig; her grandchildren, Garrett, Elliott, and Grace; her chosen-children, Suzanne (Nathan) Hillenkamp, William (Bethany) Latham, Ammie (Jay) Sprowls, and Katelynn Littke; her brother, Allen (Shauna) Fritsch; and her sister, Theresa (David) Reava; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family, including niece, Heidi (Matthew) Fahrner and their five children whom Laura was very close with. Each of them held a special place in her heart, and her love for her family was a lasting part of the life she built. Laura was preceded in death by her father, David Fritsch.

Those who knew Laura will remember her for the warmth she brought to others, the music she shared, and the love she gave so freely to her family and friends. She expressed hope that memories with her will provide comfort and peace to all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held at the Antwerp Township Activity Center on Saturday, November 7th  from 2-4pm. (24821 Front Street, Mattawan, MI 49071). The family requests potted florals and trees for Laura’s memorial garden, in lieu of cut flowers.