Laura Cecilia Reinhardt

Laura Chavez Reinhardt, 76, of Hayesville, NC, passed away on Sunday, June 04, 2017 at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, GA following a lengthy illness. 

Laura was born on August 02, 1940 in Belen, Valencia County, New Mexico. She was the eldest daughter of Juan Romero Chavez and Manuelita “Nellie” Arsenia Barela-Chavez who both preceded her in death. 

Laura was a resident in Albuquerque, New Mexico with her family until she met the love of her life, Willard Wadsworth Reinhardt Jr., who was stationed at Sandia Base in Albuquerque. They met at a skating rink and from there a loving, caring, generous romance started. They were married 53 years until Will’s passing in 2012.

Will brought Laura to his family home in Miami, Shores, FL at about 1960 where they lived until 1984 when they moved to Hayesville, North Carolina. 

Laura is survived by her four children: Teresa (Ann) Atchison (Buddy) of Young Harris, GA; Mark Reinhardt (Tricia) of Pembroke Pines, FL; Linda James (Leon) of Young Harris, GA; Jon Reinhardt (Beth) of Hayesville, NC. Also surviving her are her grandchildren Liana James, Lauren James, Joss Reinhardt and her step-grandchildren, Junior James (Laurel), Tracy James (Beth) and Jessica Rutledge (Kirk) and her great granddaughter Amelia James and step great-grandchildren Brianna, Will, and Conner Rutledge, Cole and Cade James, and Trinity and Eli James. 

Surviving brothers and sisters, Jesse Chavez (Viola) of Albuquerque, NM; Richard Chavez (Mari-Carmen) of San Antonio, TX; Paul Chavez of Albuquerque, NM; and Carmen Cring (Howard) of Cicero, NY. Also are many nieces, nephews and cousins.

As a young wife and homemaker, Laura was very involved with her children in the Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, PTA, and home room mother. She was active with her church St. Rose of Lima in Miami Shores, FL and after moving to Hayesville, Immaculate Heart of Mary until her declining health. She was an avid reader, painter, and enjoyed her crosswords and especially spending time with her family. She had a beaming smile and a wonderful sense of humor.

Viewing for Laura will be at Banister Funeral Home in Hiawassee, GA on Wednesday, June 7th, 2017 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Mass will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Hayesville, NC on Thursday, June 8th, 2017 at 12:00 Noon with Father George Kloster (ret) and Pat Dunn.  Pallbearers are John (Leon) James, Junior James, Tracy James, Logan Post, Riley Post and Tony Leslie. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Clay County North Carolina Food Bank or Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Building Fund in Hayesville, NC.

Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee, GA in charge of arrangements.