Laurayne Robinette, age 92, died peacefully on May 6, from complications of dementia. A memorial service will be held at Urbandale United Church of Christ, on Saturday May 15, at 11am. Masks are required and seating is very limited. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed by following this link https://player.vimeo.com/video/548067137 .
Laurayne was born in November 1928 on the family farm west of Blockton, Iowa, to Glen and Chloe Stroburg. She was the third of four children--two older brothers and one younger sister.
She earned a BFA from Drake University and married James Duane Robinette in December 1952. She was an active and accomplished artist, homemaker, and mother of three daughters. She attended studio classes at the Des Moines Art Center over several decades. She was co-coordinator of the Iowa State Fair art exhibit, a founding member of The Artists’ Gallery, and a member of the Saturday Sketch Club. Her artwork was collected and widely exhibited in galleries and juried shows, and she won many awards for her paintings.
Laurayne regularly attended and enjoyed fitness classes at the Urbandale Senior Recreation Center. She was active in her local and state church in art and caregiving activities. She cared for her husband during his year-long struggle with ALS, and exemplified love and caring to her children, grandchildren, other family, friends, and church members. Laurayne’s calm presence, kindness, and bright smile were gifts to all who knew her.
In October 2018, Laurayne moved to Elan Cottage, the memory support wing at Brio of Johnston, where she lived for the last two-and-a-half years. Her family is grateful for the loving care she received from the Elan Cottage staff, especially Kari, with whom she formed a special bond.
Surviving Laurayne are daughters Joy Livingston, Julie Diegel (Richard), and Jane Robinette (Matt McCright); grandchildren Mira Carrington (Mike), Peter Livingston, Evan Livingston (Kyanne), Chris Livingston, Chloe Diegel (Alex McKiernan), and Noah Diegel; 11 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; sister Vicki Adams; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband James Duane, brother Clyde Stroburg and sisters-in-law Ora and Marilyn, brother John Stroburg, and brother-in-law Warren Adams.
Contributions in Laurayne’s memory may go to the Urbandale United Church of Christ, Greater Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, or NAMI Iowa.
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