Laurel Koontz 1943-2026
SOUTHINGTON — Laurel Koontz died of natural causes on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at her home.
Laurel was born Jan. 13, 1943, in Wadsworth, the daughter of Phyllis and George Van Deusen.
At age 13, she moved to Warren with her mother, stepfather, two sisters and one brother. She attended Warren G. Harding High School, graduating in 1961. She worked at St. Joseph Warren Hospital during school.
She married Lawrence Baritell in 1962 and had three sons.
Laurel had a great love of traveling and camping, showing her kids as many states as possible.
She then married Larry Koontz and completed her family with a daughter.
After 30 years at Packard Electric, she moved to Southington. It was always her dream to live in the country.
Surviving her are five children, her sons, Jeffrey Baritell of California, Timothy (Terry) Baritell of Oregon, Kevin (Michelle) Baritell of Howland and Donald “Eric” (Angie) Baritell of Warren; and her daughter, Amber (James) Roberts of Southington; her pride and joy, her surviving grandchildren, Laurel “Ashley,” Ryan, Kelsey, Jessica, Shannen, Morgan, Kalin, Rhiannon, Sabrina, Zachary, Tristen, Logan and Dakota; and great-grandchildren, Journee, Rowan, Hunter, Charlotte, Grayson, Parker, Jamie, Jesse, David, Drayton, DaLuca, Davina and Wyatt. She is also survived by a sister, Autumn (Rick) Sirlouis; a brother, George (Sally) Van Deusen; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her mother, Phyllis Copas and her stepfather; a brother, David Copas; two sisters, Marjorie Hughes and Mary Jane Stanislaw; her father, George Van Deusen and stepmother of Hinckley; and great-grandson, Remmington.
She had dear neighbors, Glen and Kathy King, and many local friends who made her life perfect. Theresa, Janet, Judy and Cindy, all of whom made her last years in Southington great.
Calling hours will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2026, and 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2026, at Lane Funeral Home, Roberts-Clark Chapel, 180 Garfield Drive NE, Warren, OH 44483.
A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Meadow Brook Memorial Park.
Online condolences can be made at www.lanefuneralhomes.com.
(special notice)