Laurie Lynn McBride

Laurie Bochert Emmons McBride, formerly of St. Clair, Mo., passed away Saturday, September 28, 2024, in Springfield, Mo. Born November 26, 1958 to Lawrence (Larry) and Patricia (Pat) Bochert, Laurie was a 1977 graduate of St. Clair High School. She was married to Robert (Bob) Emmons on November 19, 1977, and together they welcomed one daughter, Courtney Emmons. After Bob’s death, Laurie was united in marriage to Gene McBride on May 20, 2000. Laurie was a proud Christian and a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Clair, Mo., for many years before moving away. She was a Sunday school teacher and a youth group leader. Faith was important to Laurie and she often encouraged others to follow Jesus. Armed with a sharp, and sometimes wicked, sense of humor, Laurie championed the underdog and always encouraged people to follow their passions and dreams. Laurie worked in the banking and trucking industries for most of her life, later becoming a business owner when she and Gene opened a flower shop. She was an avid traveler and constant learner, always exploring new ideas and places and food. Laurie’s biggest pride was her family, especially her grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Nana.” An accomplished chef in her own right, one of her favorite activities was finding new and interesting recipes with her grandchildren and cooking with them. She also enjoyed sharing her love of music and often played the classics while she cooked. These are some of her grandchildren’s favorite memories of their beloved Nana. She spent her retirement traveling and meeting new people and spending time with her family and friends. Laurie is preceded in death by both of her parents, her first husband, Bob, and several close family members. She is survived by her husband, Gene McBride, daughter Courtney Emmons Buchholz (Jason), all of Springfield, Mo., stepson Brian McBride (Emily), Salem, Mo., five grandchildren, Brooklyn, Joselyn, Ethan, Alicia, and Aiden, aunt Lola Bochert, St. Clair, Mo., special cousins John McGlenn (Deb), St. Clair, Mo. and Mary Pursley (Ronnie), Stanton, Mo., in-laws John Lee and Sue Emmons, St. Clair, Mo., nieces, nephews, cousins, several close family members and many, MANY friends. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, cousin, aunt, and friend, she will be missed by many and her memory will be cherished forever. Laurie did not wish to have a large, formal funeral. A small, intimate gathering to inter her ashes will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Crestview Memorial Park, St. Clair, Mo., at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome, but capacity will be limited. In lieu of flowers or cards, if anyone wishes to make a donation in Laurie’s name, the family request those be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation. This was an important organization to Laurie and helps those who have served our country.

Laurie Lynn McBride

November 26, 1958 - September 28, 2024