Laura Lee Daetz, 66, of Meadow Vista, California, died unexpectedly Friday, October 23, 2015 in an automobile accident. Laura was born October 14, 1949, in Santa Ana, California, to LeRoy and Pearl King. She was the younger of two children and had a half-brother, LeRoy King, Jr., who preceded her in death.
Laura grew up in Orange County, California. She graduated from Westminster High School in 1967, during which time she was selected to sing soprano as a member of The Young Americans. In 1993, after years of late nights studying while working fulltime, she earned a bachelor's degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. Laura lived in Houston, Texas, for 17 years. She then returned to Orange County for several years where she was fortunate enough to develop a group of loving and loyal friends. She finally settled in northern California, met her beloved husband and merged two families into one. She also became an active member of her community.
Laura was a senior executive in human resources in the commercial property management industry for more than 25 years. After she retired, Laura continued to work on things she was most passionate about. She co-founded and served as secretary for the Akwaaba Foundation, an education nonprofit organization, and was a volunteer consultant for Acres of Hope in Auburn, California. She was also an active member of American Association of University Women, helped abused and abandoned foster children as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate, sponsored six underprivileged children through Children International and World Vision, and was a member of First Congregational Church, UCC.
Laura was a loving and generous mother, wife, friend, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She was an avid reader, a lover of dogs, an advocate for women in need, and a knitter. She greatly enjoyed learning and teaching others. She was able to share her love of knitting as an instructor after her retirement. She loved to host parties, especially if those occasions gave her the excuse to cook. She was a wonderful cook. Laura was also concerned about political, social, and environmental issues. She believed in social justice and conserving our environment for future generations to enjoy. Above all, she enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends, all of whom loved her dearly.
Laura is survived by Denney Daetz (husband); Rona Pehrson (sister) and her husband (Michael Pehrson); Jennifer Martin (daughter) and her husband (Steve Martin); Julie Young (daughter) and her husband (Heath Weaver); Effie Daetz (stepdaughter); Ekua Jackson (stepdaughter) and her husband (Eric Jackson); Ama Daetz (stepdaughter) and her husband (John Seymour); Virginia Daetz (mother-in-law); Sophie Martin, Madalynn Martin, Destiny Jackson, and Jacob Jackson (grandchildren); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2015 at First Congressional Church of Auburn, UCC, at 710 Auburn Ravine Road, Auburn, California. Onsite reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to Acres of Hope or The Akwaaba Foundation. -