Lorel “Laurie” Ann Bauer, 68, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, went to be with our Lord and be reunited with many departed family members and friends on November 2, 2024.
Born on November 18, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Laurie moved to Hot Springs with her family at the age of 17 and graduated from Lake Hamilton High School in 1974. She dedicated her life to helping others and was known for her warm, welcoming, and caring nature. She directly impacted the lives of thousands of people throughout her career as a Respiratory Therapist at St. Joseph Regional Health Center (Mercy) and was always the first to step up to provide guidance and look after family members and close friends when in need. Caring for others was her gift.
Laurie loved listening to music, gardening, fishing, baking, and taking care of her pets; but her greatest joy was her family. She cherished every moment with her children, grandchildren, siblings, and other family members. She also never met a stranger and could easily chat for hours with her many friends and acquaintances.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Celeste “Lana” LaFollette and Frank Usdrowski; her stepfather, Frank LaFollette; and her brother, Frank LaFollette.
She is survived by her sons, Shaun “Pete” (Marcia) Bauer of Hot Springs; Chris Bauer of Little Rock; and Brian (Victoria) Bauer of Bryant; her cherished grandchildren, Olivia, Kaitlyn, and Colton Bauer of Bryant; her former spouse and father of her children, Larry Bauer of Hot Springs Village; her blended family of siblings, Tony (Linda) Usdrowski or Royal; Mike (Debbie) Usdrowski of Hot Springs; Lisa Usdrowski of Hot Springs; Michele Usdrowski Parsons of Harrison, ID; Dan (Tori) Usdrowski of Harrison, ID; Yvonne (Bob) Baber of Hot Springs; and Roz Morris of Bell, FL; her numerous loving cousins, nieces, and nephews; and her beloved pets Rocco and Georgie.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff of CARTI in Little Rock and the Baptist Health Center Neuro Intensive Care Unit in Little Rock for their compassionate care the last few months as well as to Dr. Diane Bodemann and her nurses and staff in Hot Springs for their decades of friendship and care.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Laurie’s name to organizations that support causes for those in need. A few that were near to her heart are Meals on Wheels, First Step, or Cooperative Christian Ministries & Clinic in Hot Springs.
A joyous celebration of Laurie’s life will be held at the Compass Fire Grill at the Crystal Springs Marina Village on November 17, 2024, at 1:00 PM. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend. A private graveside service will be held at Lowe Cemetery in Royal for family at a later date.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
10 Comments
Rest in Peace Laurie. Say hi to Nana for me.
She was such a sweet and caring lady. She will be missed greatly. My heart and prayers are with all her family.
Rest in peace Aunt Laurie. You are already dearly missed!!!
Laurie was a beautiful soul
Sweet aunt Laurie. You are gone too soon, and my heart is absolutely broken. I am blessed to have spent more time with you, your boys, your grandchildren, and uncle Larry in recent years. I will cherish the memories. Thank you for always being a kind and loving aunt. Thank you for loving and taking such good care of my Nana. Thank you for your unwavering support following the loss of my parents. I will be forever grateful. Go Rest High on that Mountain. Your Work on Earth is Done.
Rest in peace, cuz. So many happy memories of our lives together. I will treasure them always, and think of you often with a smile.
Laurie was an awesome daughter-in-law and the best as a friend and sister-in-law. you will be very much missed my friend.
Rest in peace. You was a sweet friend. My heart ❤️ goes out to the family
My family and I are very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother Pete our prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time.If you or your family need anything I’m here for you brother.
Chris and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Laurie’s smile and positive demeanor could brighten anyone’s day.
Sign Guestbook