Laura Lee (Phelps) Deitsch

We are placing this obituary as a courtesy for the family of Laura Lee (Phelps) Deitsch.  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Laura Lee Deitsch died early on August 10, 2016 from a pulmonary embolism. Laura had suffered from several illnesses for many years.

Laura Lee was born February 20, 1963 in Watertown, SD. The family resided in South Dakota until 1978, living in Watertown, Clark, Aberdeen and Pierre. Laura was an outstanding pianist, placing first in many piano competitions during her South Dakota years.

Moving to Oak Park Illinois in 1978, Laura attended Oak Park/River Forest High School where she became the principle accompanist for much of the choral program.

After living in Minneapolis, MN for a few years, Laura moved to Los Angeles, CA. While living in Los Angeles she met her love, David. They were married March 3,1990 in Harmony, California. The Harmony Wedding Chapel door is shaped like a very large wine barrel lid.

The family moved to Illinois when David began his employment with State Farm.

The following epitaph was written by her daughter Hannah and echoes the sentiments of her family:

She wasn't perfect, but she didn't try to be and she never forced me to be anything but myself. Living without her from now on is going to be so hard, but I'm thankful for the lessons and pieces of herself she gave me. Heaven just gained one hell of a Christian, and I'm sure she's up there having a blast with all the people she's wanted me to meet. Life was never kind to her and I take comfort knowing she's not suffering anymore. I love you, Mom. Don't have too much fun up there.

Laura is survived by her husband, David, her children Rachel, Moriah Hope, Hannah and Mark, and her grandson Noah Abel. Also surviving are her mother Carol Brown Oberg (S. William Oberg), Colorado Springs, CO, her father Ashley Phelps, Fort Pierre, South Dakota, her brother Brett Phelps, Albuquerque, NM, her mother-in-law Betty Deitsch, Santa Cruz California., her paternal grandmother Leona Phelps, Pierre, SD, and many relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Flossie and Harry Brown, and her paternal grandfather Glenn Phelps.