Laura Lee Boettcher Barnes, 71 of Sand Springs, OK passed away peacefully on Monday, June 8, 2026, in her home surrounded by loved ones. Services for Laura,are entrusted to the care of Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at the funeral home on Monday June 15th at 11:00 am.

Laura Lee Boettcher Barnes was born on November 14, 1954 in Wymore, Nebraska to James and Marion Boettcher and siblings James (Jim), Janet, and Robert (Bob). She grew up in Wymore where she graduated high school, continuing her education at the University of Nebraska, receiving her BA and Master of Arts. She later went on to earn a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Nebraska where she met fellow graduate student and love of her life, Michael William Barnes. Mike and Laura were married on December 21, 1987 in Las Vegas, NV.

The two later moved to Tulsa, OK, pursuing careers in higher education: Michael as an administrator at The University of Tulsa and Laura as a faculty member at Oklahoma State University where she assumed the position of Assistant Professor of Applied Behavioral Studies. She went on to teach graduate level statistics as well as conducting collaborative research. This research included over 30 publications surrounding topics such as national grading systems, gun crime, and cancer research methods for patients.

At the ages of 48 & 40, Mike and Laura had their son, William Phillip Marion Barnes. An incredibly involved mother, Laura always facilitated William's travel for sports, acted as the house mother for Kappa Sigma while he was in college, and then later became a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was involved with Blue Star Mothers.

She retired from Oklahoma State University in 2020. During her retirement years, Laura maintained an active lifestyle despite her cancer diagnosis. She spent her time traveling with friends, dancing at Zumba, and playing the piano.

Laura was a dog lover, devoting her time to socializing Charlie around town and taking Logan to agility training. She shared a special bond with her rescue dog Frankie, becoming a part of Pete's Pet Posse as an emotional support companion team.

Survivors include her son Capt. William Barnes USAF and his wife Abby. Her dogs Charlie, Frankie and Logan, as well as her grand dogs Bella and Buddy. Laura was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings James, Janet, and Robert, and husband Mike.

Follow this link to view Laura's service: Webcast