Laura L. Auter

Danville - Laura Lynn (Holden) Auter passed away in her home in Danville, Illinois, on October 7, 2026, at the age of 71.

Born in Danville on May 18, 1955, to Wayne and Beverly (Foster) Holden, Laura navigated life’s obstacles which shaped her journey. She graduated from Danville High School and worked in several fields before finding her place at the VA, where she worked for nearly 30 years, retiring in 2019. Laura made many good friends there and especially enjoyed building relationships with the veterans she cared for.

Laura’s proudest accomplishment was her daughter, Cortney, who was her biggest joy, the center of her world, and the greatest love of her life. They shared a special bond and found joy in life’s simple moments, from gardening together to laughing during their daily phone calls. In later years, one of their most cherished routines was sharing weekend coffee over FaceTime, where Cortney would show Laura the garden. These quiet moments of connection and laughter became treasured memories that Cortney will carry with her always. She was, and always will be, incredibly proud to have Laura as her mother.

Laura had a great eye for interior design and a remarkable green thumb. She was often inappropriately funny and always incredibly kind. While Laura didn’t travel much, one of the best times of her life was a weeklong trip to Walt Disney World with Cortney in 2017 where she got to experience the world she would not see first hand, cried with Cortney under the fireworks, and later got to have a beer on the beach and dip her toes into the Atlantic Ocean for the first time, despite it being 45 degrees in January. It truly was some of the best moments in both of their lives.

Laura leaves behind her pride and joy, her only child, Cortney Auter-Mann; her son-in-law, Brian Mann; her bonus son, Daniel Shepherd; her bonus daughter, Tracy Albert; her relentless best friends, Diana Dillion and Al Watson; and her four-legged best friend, Snowy. She was preceded in death by her parents and many close friends.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no formal services. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834 has been entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations to an animal charity would be a lovely way to honor Laura. May we all raise our red Solo cups and have one final “whoop whoop” in her name.