Laura Jean Shanks Denny of Richland, WA died January 9, 2012 in Richland, Washington at the age of 96. She was born July 11, 1915 at home in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, the daughter of Edgar and Eva Allen Shanks. She was the oldest surviving child of seven children. She grew up in and around the Excelsior Springs area and graduated from Converse High School.

In 1936 she married George L. Denny a former classmate and they eventually had four children. In the early years they lived and worked in Kansas City. In 1944 they moved to Richland, WA. Although Mrs. Denny had some work experience, she mainly devoted herself to the role of wife, mother, homemaker and volunteer.

Mrs. Denny, a devout Christian, was a charter member of the Southside United Protestant Church in Richland and an active member through the years. She enjoyed reading, gardening and sewing. She was an industrious person, full of common sense, but above all she was a woman of patience, wisdom and love. She was a great blessing and model to her family and friends and will be greatly missed.

Mrs. Denny was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers: Raymond Shanks, Dick Shanks, and Elmer Shanks, all of Missouri. She is survived by her sisters Velma Shipp, Evelyn Stout and La Veta Crowley, all of Missouri; daughters Janet Spencer, Richland, Washington, Sharon Nielsen Peter, Auburn, Washington, Carol Guinn Bob, Glenwood, Washington; son, Robert George Denny Nicki, Vancouver, Washington; grandchildren Darcy Spencer Wenger Mark, Russell Spencer Tammi, Andrew Nielsen, Eric Nielsen Tamie, Laura Nielsen Bergsma Matt, Lori Guinn, Keith Guinn, Marcus Denny Amie, Megan Denny Dodson Nick, Brooks Denny and nine great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be at Southside Church, Richland, at 2:30 PM on Saturday, January 14. Burial service will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Friday, 5:00-8:00 PM, and Saturday 10:00 AM until noon, at Einan's Funeral Home.