Laura Francis King Blake, 85, of Charleston, left this earth to be with her family in Heaven on Saturday, September 25, 2010, at Hubbard Hospice House.

She retired with 23 years of service from Saint Francis Hospital as a switchboard operator. Laura loved to cook and plant flowers and loved to play the piano. She spoiled all the kids with love and laughter. This mother was family and love to all.

Laura was the last of twelve, having been preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Russell R. Blake, mother and father, Preston and Alva King, six brothers, Elton, Jack, Thomas, Frank, Johnnie and Preston King, two sisters, Mary J. King Skeens and Pat King Rankin. All had gone before her to prepare the welcoming at Heaven's Gates.

She leaves behind a loving and caring daughter, Vicky Blake Sigmon and her husband, Ickybob; two grandchildren, Rusty Sigmon and Crystal of Dunbar and Rhonda Hughart and Rob of Hurricane; four great grandchildren, Brandon, Morgan, Kelsey and Kody; a special sister-in-law, Patsy King whom she loved dearly and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, September 29, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with the Rev. Dr. Okey B. Harless officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, September 28, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

Dear Mom,

May you rest in peace my dear mother

because you have done a great job loving and caring for all of us.

Now it is time for you to rest in the arms of the Lord.

You have served your time here on earth.

With love in our hearts for you we will let you go.

May you rest now my dear mother.

Love Vicky