Laura A. Kirby-Mueller
September 13, 1960 - October 2, 2011

"Laura sure put up a good fight in her battle against cancer, and may she now rest peacefully. Please know our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time."

"Our thoughts & Prayers have been for Laura for a long time. We are so sorry for your loss of such a talented and wonderful gal. We were out of town for a couple weeks, so are late in getting this message to you, her family. Our thoughts & Prayers continue. May God Bless you all. The Heims"

"Although I did not know Laura the way my family did (Wright family) I have a strong memory of her on one day in particular. I had been in St. Charles about a week before my wedding in July 2010 to visit my grandparent's grave and was feeling pretty sad that they wouldn't be there to see me on my big day. After visiting the cemetary, and crying many tears, I stopped in to get some coffee at Laura's shop on main street before heading home to Rochester. As soon as I got to the counter Laura looked into my eyes and saw I was having a rough morning and she told me to "take a seat honey" next to a few of the other ladies that were there that morning. She served me my coffee, asked what was going on, gave me hugs, and reasssured me my grandpa Bob would always be watching over me, especially in the weeks to come. She told stories of my grandparents, but mainly of my grandpa, and put a smile on my face before wishing me well as I headed out the door. I will always remember her for being there when she didn't have to be, for someone she barely knew; she had such a strong spirit that I'm sure will carry on forever. All my love to Laura's family and friends who will surely miss her laughter the most, Chloe Bowman"

"My first encounter with Laura in the St. Charles community was hearing her amazing voice at church. I will miss hearing her sing! I have only lived in St. Charles a couple of years, but Laura was an individual who really stood out to me in the community as an active role model who loved and supported St. Charles. She will be dearly missed. My thoughts are with her family during this time."

"Laura was a very gifted and talented person who welcomed everyone in with a smile. She gave me the opportunity to complete my internship at Gatherings and Gifts which I appreciated tremendously. When I think of Laura, I think of creativity, Christmas music and one word she said often when asked how she was doing "MARVELOUS"! My sympathy goes out to her family ~ She will be missed."

"I've known Laura for a little more than 5 years. If only it could have been longer. She was such a special friend and just such a wonderful person. She enriched my life in so many ways. She always called our coffee group her "angels" and "the lovely ladies". In truth, she was and is the loveliest angel of all. I will miss her VERY much."

"In ones lifetime you given friends along the way. I was blessed with working with Laura at a flower shop. So talented and giving. God Bless Laura. What a WONDERFUL person. You Will Be Greatly Missed. Robin"

"My heart hurts for all of you. I wish I could could be there to celebrate her life, but we are going through our own transition again as well. I will always be left with her smile, the same one I saw only a couple of weeks ago. It hadn't changed and never will. I am thankful she was part of my life. Peace to Gary, the children and to my Tellijohn family. Grizz "

"WOW!! Known and loved by so many! I am so sorry for the loss of this beautiful person and your family member. Have grown up in Blooming Prairie and being Laura's neighbor was a memory I will never forget. She carried that great smile that will never be forgotten. Such a great talented and creative human being that the Angels have taken from us. May her life, love, memories, and spirit be cherished!! Peace and Love to you all."

"Laura was a beautiful woman on the inside and outside. Heaven just recevied another angel. R.I.P. Laura L. Erickson, L.Guimond, A. Hoyer"

"Lisa & the Tellijohn family: Sorry to hear of another family members passing, you and your family have my condolences during your time of grieving yet another loss within your family and another loss for those of us who knew the wonderful, caring and giving people that both your sister and mother will always be remembered and appreciated for - may these condolences comfort you & your family as you grieve your loved ones passing."

"Laura, with her smile, joy, and enthusiasm for life, always provided a gracious welcome the few times I was able to get to her store. Her chai tea was the best ever. Her conversations about her daughters' lives just oozed of love and care. She was an incredible bright light whom I feel blessed to have known. I am thankful I had the chance to meet her and will miss her very much. What an amazing examples she leaves for us to follow. May God bless her family and all her friends with strength and peace."

"I will miss you and your store! I loved coming into your store to purchase things, and most of all talk to you! I will miss you in St. Charles! Erika Goldsmith"

"Laura was an awesome gift from God to all that knew her, she had so very much to teach all of us about living life to the full, regardless what our circumstances were. I knew Laura from her gift shop, the few times I was there I always came away feeling good. She had a way of making you feel wrapped in love and goodness. When she spoke of her daughters, it showed in her lovely smile and sparkle in her eye how very special they were to her. Seeing how her daughters helped her out in her shop spoke to me of their love for their mother also. Laura's Chai Tea was the very best! I feel blessed to have crossed paths with her, and I will always remember the special gift she was. My deepest heartfelt sympathy to all her family and friends, Paula Stephens"

"Laura, while at her Gathering's & Gifts, shop created a community of friendship. So many times when I have stopped in to GG's , there was a gaggle of women gathered and being given the gift of friendship over coffee, shopping or nothing at all. At times, I am jealous, when I think about the tremendous circle of support and caring that has been developed over the years among all of you, it really is incredible. The support I have seen given to everyone in this community by Laura and this group of women is inspiring (yes, some men too). I have not doubt her spirit will live on in all of you, you are the best group of BFF's whose spirit came to light at GG's. Thank you Laura for letting me be a part of your family through the years at GG's. My love and sympathies to all of you. I will miss you Laura and always by inspired by you. Bev "

"My sincere sympathy with all of Laura's family and friends. While I only knew her a brief time, she was a wonderful friend who was willing to share a caring word, an open heart, and a kind welcome to everyone. Her bright smile and upbeat personality will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her courageous outlook will serve as an inspiration to me always. May God bless and comfort you all!"

"I just saw the news in the Owatonna newspaper. I have many fond memories of Laura & her family growing up, and was sad to read of her passing. Sending prayers to her family."

"A heartfelt 'cheers' to Laura and our shared memories of Junior year prom :) and all things OHS. Funny how I so know her wonderful laugh and smile after all these years. I applaud her courage and admire the expression of her deep faith in all she did in her life. Blessings to her children, husband and family as you all feel your loss. Somehow I know she's smiling on us all as we reflect on all this transition. In Peace, Julie O. "

"Laura was an inspiration to all.Fellow creator,bargain hunter ,junker. Her great attitude,smile ,giving, talents will truelly be missed.I was always in awe....around her. You have my deepest sympathy. She is now perfect. Kathy Lafky @ Lewiston Bouquet and Gift"

"Someone mentioned Laura's contagious laugh. I can still hear it. She was so devoted to her church and community. We will miss her so much. My sympathy to the family."

"Laura gave a gift of guitar lessons to our granddaughter Calli for 2 years. What a treasure, and legacy Laura left for us all. She gave of herself unselfishly, sharing her talents, and love of others that will not be forgotten. She always had a hug, a warm genuine smile, and encouragement from her heart. When Calli plays the guitar, it will be because of you Laura. May you rest securely in the loving arms of our Saviour. We pray God will comfort her family knowing what joy and happiness Laura gave to others is now given back to her in her heavenly home. Thank you Laura, we love you!"

"Laura was an inspirtation to us all, when many of us would have gave up-she fought harder. May God bring you all closer together in this time of sorrow. Laura-you left too soon, my friend; you left too soon."

"Laura you're such an amazing & special person to SO many people! I don't think you ever realized how many people you have touched & inspired! I sure hope you will know now, just how many! God has Welcomed such a wonderful Lady! Wow, how great it must be for you now, with all the angels in Heaven. My prayers are with your family, that God gives them the strength to move on and heal each day as time passes. And that they know you are always there with them, good days & bad, and will never be far away. We Love You! I will miss you greatly! Live in Peace Dear Laura. The Hughes' Family Jane, Michael, Nick, Stefanie, Brandon & Molly "

"Your smile will be greatly missed around town. You were an inspiration to a lot of us. You are loved. God Bless, Sandy"

"Met Laura through a mutual friend. What a wonderful Christian women. She was an inspration to so many, she will be missed but not forgotten. Prayers for the family. Jean"

"Laura gave guitar lessons to my son Austyn for two years. She was always encouraging and gave the love of music to a boy who just "thought it would be cool" to play the guitar. Every time I look at that acoustic guitar or see him pick it up, it reminds me of how her love for music made him switch from playing electric guitar to acoustic. It was no longer because it is cool, but because he was able to play music. Because of this, you touched all of our lives through your love of teaching and sharing. God Bless your family as they say goodbye to your earthly being, but your heavenly being will be with us always."

"I was very sad to hear that Laura is gone. I actually walked by her shop a few weeks back and thought about stopping in to say hi. I was having a bad day and Laura always had a way of making you feel better. I'm sure she had a similar impact on many people. Bill D"

"May God keep you all in his care. I will miss Laura, her joy, her smile, her zest for life. She worked hard and seemed to LOVE every minute of it. Her family was her life...she always had an update when I came into Gatherings. I will miss that a lot! Thinking of you all!!!"

"Laura, you will be missed by so many. I will always remember the talks we had when I was in your shop, as well as seeing you at Church! You will always be remembered."

"Laura's greatist gift to me was to strenthen my faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ. I feel so fortunate in getting to know her these last few years. She truly lifted the spirits of the many people she encountered. I fortunately was one of them. My hope is that I can follow her example."

"Words can't express how we feel about Laura's passing. She gave so much of herself and that smile was never ending. She'll be missed greatly."

"I am so sorry for your loss. Laura was a very special gal to many. She was a very strong person to fight this for so long. She was in to City Hall a couple weeks ago and we shared some laughs, tears and hugs. I am glad I got to know her over the years here in St. Charles. She is sure going to be missed by many. God Bless you all!"

"I am sorry for your loss. Laura will be missed. At 5:00PM mass at church her joy and happiness was infectious. It will be different to hear the chorus without her voice. Of course now she is playing and singing with the angels!"

"God Bless all of you. She was such a special person, she will be missed by all that had the chance to know her, even if for a minute. We all have learned about God, strength, love, hope and courage from Laura. I will miss you greatly, so, until we meet again...."

"How blessed we were to have this wonderful lady in our midst for a time. Her caring and creativity are unmatched in the community. We are blessed to have known her and her great family. We are in Arizona so we cannot attend the services."

"The angels came and took her to heaven. We were truely blessed to know her. Despite her illness, she always had a smile on her face and song in her heart. She will be missed."

"I have been thinking about your family since my visit to see Laura a week ago. We shared some good laughs that afternoon, eventhough the visit was brief. I'm honored that she listened to me that day 7 years ago when I stumbled into her shop with my products. I'll miss you and our great differences in scents."

"God has another angel today.. Laura was such a special person with a true gift of beauty and grace! My most sincere sympathies to her loved ones!"

"Oh my, what does one say about Lauara. She was not just special, she was "SPECIAL!" She left everyone she touched feeling God's presence and her happiness and infectious laugh with all her difficulties just simply brushed off on all she knew. To her family, keep her favorite saying in your hearts, "It's all good!" She was a TRUE blessing to each to us."

"You were such a brave woman who fought so hard and stayed firm in your faith. All of my family will miss you, but we know you are in heaven and your mother Mary was there to welcome you with open arms. God Bless and know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Brian, Theresa and Gabrielle"

"I just heard from my Mom that Laura passed away yesterday. Laura and I grew up in the same hometown and our families knew each other from church. I heard her and Rosie Henry sing at a friend's funeral last year and was very moved by their beautiful music. My husband passed away from cancer on Good Friday this year and I really wanted Laura and Rosie to sing at his funeral. I got her number and talked to her on Easter on her way home from Owatonna. I did not know then that Laura Kirby was the Laura Tellijohn that I knew from Owatonna until that phone call. After the funeral I found out that she and my husband Randy were born on the exact same day and year. She also had chemo that Wednesday and sang and played on Friday. In this short time that Laura touched my life, I discovered that she was very special and brave and wonderful. I know Heaven indeed did get another angel. May God bless Laura's family."