Laura Dutra, lifelong resident of Santa Barbara County, died Monday, June 9, 2008 at her home in Lompoc.

Laura was born January 16, 1912 in Santa Maria. She graduated from Santa Maria High School and earned an associate's degree from Santa Maria Junior College, now Allan Hancock College.

Shortly after her marriage to Andrew Dutra in 1934 she became a resident of Lompoc. She worked as a clerk and bookkeeper for pharmacists in Lompoc including George Miller, Les Johnson and Brauns Pharmacy. In her spare time she enjoyed sewing and gardening. She was a member of the La Purisima Catholic Church.

Laura is survived by her son Dan Dutra and his wife Millie of Lompoc, granddaughters Dania Dutra of Florida, Lana Ramsey of Pine Mountain, and Janell Bilkey and her husband John from Santa Ynez, and her great grandchildren Jason and Ashley Ramsey and Roy and Ali Bilkey.

Monsignor John Fitzgerald of Queen of Angels Catholic Church will lead the recitation of the rosary on Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 5:00 pm in the chapel of the Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. The graveside funeral service will be on Friday, June 13, 2008 at 2:00 pm in the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery.

Her family suggests memorial donations be made to the Marian Homecare and Hospice program, 1400 East Church Street, Santa Maria, CA 93454, the Animal Shelter of Lompoc, 1501 West Central Avenue, Lompoc, CA 93436 or a favorite Charity.