Laura Eells

Dr. Laura Lee (Workman) Eells, 68, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Ascension Via Christi-St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Wichita.

Dr. Laura Eells was a member of the McPherson College faculty for 26 years and served as a Professor of Sociology, the department chair, and the academic dean.  She retired in May of 2022. She was also the Assistant Professor of Sociology at Wichita State University and the Executive Director of the Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center.

Laura was born on September 22, 1954, in Seward, NE, the daughter of Robert LeRoy “Jack” and Laura Bell (Snavely) Workman.  She graduated from Seward High School in 1972 and received a PhD degree from the University of Nebraska.  On November 17, 1979, Laura was united in  marriage to Michael Allan Eells in Seward, NE. This union was blessed with a son, Dan.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, McPherson.

Anyone that met Laura knew how much she loved helping others, particularly in her role as a professor. Laura made connections with students by providing a listening ear, good advice, and chocolate chip cookies.  Laura referred to all of her students as her “kids”.  When she wasn’t teaching,  Laura was usually watching Husker football and teaching the family dog to bark on command during touchdowns (Go Big Red!)  She also enjoyed a quiet afternoon reading the latest mystery book with a good cup of coffee.  

Laura was a devoted wife and mother.  She valued the nurturing role she held for her family members, who lovingly referred to her as “the Doctor”.  Mike, Dan, and Laura loved to watch movies together.  Sadly, Laura suffered through many viewings of A Christmas Story, a film loved by Dan and Mike but hated by Laura.

Laura’s most peaceful moments were with her husband Mike, traveling to Greece, or to their favorite lake in Minnesota.  Road trips were a special part of the life they shared together.

Laura researched and studied relationships in her work as a Sociologist, but her greatest life achievements were in the relationships she nurtured every day.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her loving husband of 43 years, Michael of the home; a son, Dan Eells (Elizabeth) of Newton, KS; a niece, Kris Finley (Aaron) of Lincoln, NE; a great-niece, Morgan Finley of Lincoln, NE; a great-nephew, Logan Finley of Lincoln, NE; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Laura Workman, and a sister, Susie Urbanek.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, May 8, 2023, at the McPherson Church of the Brethren with Rev. Kathryn Whitacre and Rev. Darren Frazier officiating.  The family will receive friends from 12:30 PM until service time at 2:00 PM, Monday, at the church.  To view a livestream broadcast of the  service, please click on the following link https://youtube.com/live/RDlxU4d1vPg?feature=share.

Memorial donations may be given to the Newton Public Library or  McPherson College (for the Department of Behavioral Science) in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.