Laura Isabelle Bost

Laura Isabelle Bost, 83, passed away December 9, 2014. Laura was born on November 17, 1931 in Matheson, Colorado to Virgil and Ethel Kennedy. After graduating from Winfield High School in 1949, she met her true love, Al Bost, at the local soda fountain. They were married on April 9, 1950 and she soon became a doting mother to two daughters, Debbie and Vicki. In 1977, Laura and her husband launched their vinyl graphics company, Universal Products. She discovered that she had a natural knack for bookkeeping and accounting and quickly became the backbone of the business. Over the course of her career, she dutifully fulfilled the roles of both Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer. Since its establishment, Universal Products has received many awards, including 1998s Kansas Business Appreciation Award and an award from the Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing for manufacturing excellence. Today, the company employs 220 people, provides professional services for many world-renowned business clients and supports several local community projects and programs, including the D.A.R.E. program. Laura was passionate about her family; she adored her five grandchildren and derived immense joy and entertainment from her one and only great-grandchild, Kael. She loved winning at video poker, cheering for KU during basketball season, reading a healthy variety of books and gossip magazines (her “rags”) alike, working puzzles and visiting with her loved ones. Laura will be remembered for her wit, charm, generous spirit, sweet disposition, giggle fits and her unique ability to make everyone feel included and loved. She had a wink-smile-wave combination that could not be beat and she never failed to dish out the warmest hugs and sweetest kisses to all. She is survived by her husband, Al, her brother, Bob Kennedy (Rocky), and sister, Linda Crabb (Rick). Her eldest daughter, Debbie, is married to Jim Morrison and they have two sons, Shelby and Max, and one grandson, Kael. Her youngest daughter, Vicki, is married to Mike McIlroy and they have three daughters, Jenny, Stephanie and Laura. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make a donation to your favorite charity. Funeral Service, 11 a.m., Saturday, December 13, Downing Lahey Mortuary West.