Laura Ann Ritter March 1, 1956 – May 29, 2025
Laura Ann Ritter was born on March 1, 1956. A lifelong Alaskan and a member of the Juneau and Haines communities, she passed away on May 29, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family, love, and the comforting memories of a life richly lived.
In 1972, Lauri married Mike Laudert, father of their children Michael and Brandilyn. Lauri went on to meet and marry the love of her life, Jimmy Ritter, on Jan. 1, 1995, a union that brought her great happiness and strength.
Born and raised in Juneau, Lauri carried with her a deep affection for the place she called home, from fond childhood days downtown and at Amalga Harbor, to countless joyful moments at her family’s homestead, lovingly named Lucky Me.
Lauri was known for her generous spirit, quick laughter, and the effortless way she made everyone feel loved. Whether offering a plate of her homemade baked goods or gifting one of her amazing paint-by-number pictures, those who were loved by Lauri felt that love.
Creative and giving, she found joy in crafting, painting, sewing, and cooking. A walk on the beach or a trip to Haines brought her peace — and when it came to fishing, Lauri was always the lucky one. As a child, she once caught a halibut so large she had to row the skiff to shore for her father to help land the fish. Lauri also found great joy in wearing perfectly coordinated outfits!
Her greatest joy, though, was her family. Lauri had a deep and abiding love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Lauri cherished her lifelong friendships in Juneau and Haines, always thoughtful and generous with her time, spirit, and heart. She was a member of both the American Legion and Eagles. Special thanks are extended to the compassionate care team on the third floor at Bartlett Regional Hospital, her medical and oncology teams, Dr. Haddock, as well as the direct care and support staff who made her final days more comfortable.
Lauri’s spirit — feisty, fun, and kind — will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Ritter, father, Keith Weiss, stepfather, Larry Traeger, uncle, John Bavard, and aunt, Evelyn Bavard.
She is survived by her mother, Kathy Traeger, siblings, Judi Blankenship (Al), Tony Weiss, Bridget Weiss (Pat Costello), children, Michael Laudert (Amber) and Brandilyn Voelk (Shane), stepson, Bobby Ritter (Michelle), grandchildren, Johnny, Jason, Keelyn, Mitchell, Ashley, and Zach, great grandson Brandon, cousins Michael Bavard (Patti) and Steve Bavard (Jacquie), nephews, Mark Davis (Flori), Jeffrey Davis, Travis Monahan (Beth), Casey Monahan, and Tyler Mathews (Peyton), great niece Remi, and lifelong friend Sandy Spickler (Scott).