Laurie Jones

January 16, 2961 - May 16, 1982

1979 Cobbler Laurie Jones (in the 6th grade)

The following information about Laurie was provided by her mother, Margaret Creech, and her cousin (and fellow '79er Cobbler) Teresa Dowdy (Kellar), both of Rapid City. June '09.

"Laurie was born in Rapid City on January 16, 1961.  She attended Lincoln and Robbinsdale Elementary schools and was a Rebel from South Junior High.  Laurie spent only her Jr. and Sr. years at RC Central as a Cobbler; she lived in Saudi Arabia from November 1975 until May 1977.  She attended 9^th grade at the American boarding school in Bahrain, and 10^th grade at a private boarding school in the village of Faistenau, Austria, about 30 miles from Salzburg.

Laurie's Cobbler Graduation:  Thursday, May 24, 1979

Laurie’s greatest love was riding full-speed on her horse, "Rocket."  She was working in Wyoming as an oil well analyst and knew that a horse wasn’t feasible, so she bought a motorcycle.  She rode the 'cycle back and forth between Wyoming and Rapid City every other week.

Laurie intended to get a degree in Geology because she thought it would offer her the best chance to be outdoors.  That’s what she loved.  When Laurie returned to Rapid City to attend SDSM&T, she had torn her bike down and was in the process of rebuilding it when she passed away.

 Laurie in braids at age 20.  Photo: December 1981.

Laurie was 21 years old when she died May 16, 1982, in a motorcycle accident.  She was the passenger on a bike that crossed the centerline near Sheridan Lake in SD, colliding with a motor home.

We miss her still.  We miss her curiosity, her love of animals, her sense of humor, her kindness, and her wonderful smile...  we miss everything about Laurie."