Laura K. Girton

Oakwood - Laura K. Girton, 51, of Oakwood died on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at home surrounded by her family following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on October 13, 1966 in Erie, PA, the daughter of Louis J. and Nancy (Munz) Gizoli. Laura was a graduate of McDowell High School and earned her bachelor's degree in Education from Penn State University in 1988. She received her master's degree in Education Administration from Eastern Illinois University in 2002. She was a teacher for 16 years until her appointment as principal at Bismarck-Henning Elementary School, where she educated and inspired students and teachers for the past 12 years. She spent countless hours searching for new and innovative ways to make the school day more enjoyable and productive for the students and staff. She was a friend to all and a champion of the underdog, as illustrated by her continued generosity in sharing her experience and expertise. The only role Laura was prouder to play than an educator was that of a mother and a wife. She loved her boys wholeheartedly and was extremely proud of the fine young men they have grown to be. She was extremely vivacious and smiled with her whole face, her laugh was infectious, and her eyes always sparkled. She never missed an opportunity to root on Penn State football and Cardinals baseball with her three guys. However, her greatest joy was being in the stands cheering on Zack and Kyle at all of their events. Laura also looked forward to the annual gathering of her extended family at her parent's lake home. Laura was preceded in death by both her maternal and paternal grandparents. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her loving husband and best friend of 28 years; Derek J Girton and two sons; Zachery L Girton and Kyle J Girton, all of Oakwood, IL. She is also survived by two sisters; Deanne (Andrew) Potalivo of Harrisburg, PA and Christine (Christopher) Morrow of Charlotte, NC. In addition to her sisters she is survived by her nephew; Ryan Morrow and three nieces; Meghan Morrow, Paige Potalivo and Payton Potalivo. A Christian Mass for Laura will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at St Paul's Catholic Church, 1303 N Walnut Street, Danville, IL. Father Bo Schmitt and Reverend Samuel Johnson will co-officiate. Inurnment will take place at Stearns Cemetery on a future date. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 8:00 PM on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N Vermilion Street, Danville, IL. The family requests memorials be made to the Siteman Cancer Center, CB 1204, 7425 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105, the Oakwood Community Education Foundation, PO Box 654, Oakwood, IL 61858 or the Bismarck-Henning Public School Foundation, PO Box 350, Bismarck, IL 61814. Please join Laura's family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.