Laura Lynn Ramirez

Laura Lynn Ramirez, 67, of Burr, Texas, passed away unexpectedly on June 18, 2026. She was born March 18, 1959, in Wharton, Texas, to the late Eugene and Jimma Reynolds Shanks.

A graduate of Boling High School, Laura continued her studies at Wharton County Junior College. She was a skilled aircraft mechanic and owner/operator of her own aviation maintenance business. Laura had a great sense of humor and a zest for adventure. A lifelong member of the American Quarter Horse Association, Laura loved riding horses, including rodeo events in her earlier years and later and going to horse shows with her daughter and later her granddaughters. She had a passion for gardening and enjoyed traveling with her daughter and granddaughters. She had a soft spot for all animals and not only loved many pets of her own but also adopted animals in need. Her daughter and granddaughters were her biggest pride and joy and the absolute light of her life. She loved both her FaceTime conversations and sleepovers with them. She and her daughter spoke daily. Laura was also an avid reader and enjoyed reading daily.

Laura is survived by her daughter Angela Parker and husband Robert LaFleur of Katy; granddaughters Elizabeth Murphy, April LaFleur, Violet LaFleur and Genevieve LaFleur; and her stepdaughter Heather Cope and husband John of West Virginia and granddaughters Alexis and Brighton. She is also survived by her sister Vickie Jetelina and brother Eugene Shanks Jr. and wife Debra as well as numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her beloved dogs: Moose, Bubba and Lucy, and her life-long partners in crime Kelly Woodfin and Jeanie Straup.

A memorial will be held July 27 at 10am at River Pointe Church in Richmond, Texas.

Donations in Laura’s memory may be made to the Equus Foundation or a favorite animal rescue.

Funeral Services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com.