Laura Carol Pitts, 77, of Mexico, passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Monroe Manor in Paris.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, September 17, at Arnold Funeral Home. Burial will follow in East Lawn Memorial Park. Rev. Bryce Kristofferson will be officiating the service.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 until time of service on Wednesday, September 17, at the funeral home.

Laura was born on September 23, 1947 in Elkland, Missouri, the daughter of Joseph Clyde and Lois L. (Wilson) Dill.  On June 7, 1969, she married Danny Levi Pitts, who preceded her in death.

Laura was a devoted member of Centennial Baptist Church, where she faithfully served in many roles throughout the years. Her generous spirit and servant's heart were evident in her involvement with numerous volunteer groups and community organizations. Among those closest to her heart were the Garden Club, the Audrain Medical Center volunteer program, and the Mexico Retired Teachers Association. Laura was especially proud of earning the title of Master Gardener, a reflection of her deep love for nature and learning.  Laura spent several years touching the lives of young people as a math and art teacher at Mexico Middle School. In her leisure time, she enjoyed watercolor painting, bird watching, and reading. Above all, Laura treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren, creating lasting memories filled with love and joy.

Survivors include three children, Karen (Kevin) Polacek of Mexico, Scott Pitts of Mexico, Susan (Travis) Polacek of Clark; two grandchildren, Emily (Paul Muenks) Polacek of Fulton and Megan Polacek of Fulton; two sisters, Janice (Al) Rosario of Alamogordo, New Mexico and Kathy (Steve) Brekke of Springfield; two sisters-in-law, Jo Pitts of Kansas City, KS, Pat Arnold of Adrian; numerous nieces and nephews; dear friends, John & Mary Kay Hartgraves of Springfield.

Laura was preceded in death by her husband, Danny Pitts; parents, Clyde and Lois Dill; two brothers, William "Bill" Dill and Stanley Dill; two brothers-in-law, Arnold Pitts and Tom Arnold; one close family friend, Kathy Hartgraves.

The family requests memorial donations be made to Centennial Baptist Church. Memorials may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.