Laura Gay Grubbs' Obituary
Laura Gay Grubbs, age 61, of Mattoon, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon. She was born on July 21, 1964, in New Castle, Indiana, to Charles and Lillie (Temples) Adams.
Laura married Mitchell Darren Grubbs on April 20, 2006, in Laurel Park, North Carolina. He preceded her in death on September 2, 2013.
She is survived by her four children: Ethan Charles(Abigail) Hawkins of Mattoon; Melvin William Hawkins of Mattoon; Taylor Anne Hawkins of Charleston; and Bradley Grubbs of Jacksonville, Florida. She was a proud grandmother to Darren Hawkins, Rowan Hawkins, Evelyn Hawkins, and Mitchie Hawkins. Laura also leaves behind several “bonus kids” who held a special place in her heart: Hannah Hawkins (Joseph Montiel), Emma Hawkins, Cody Miller, Jory Kirk, Kari Smith, and David Bunyard, as well as her very close beloved friends: Sharon Runnels, Lisa Brown, Mary Schmidgall, and Traci Herrington.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Max Adams.
Laura was a graduate of Villa Grove High School and attended Parkland College in Champaign. She worked for many years as a surgical technician at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, where she was known for her skill, steady presence, and the care she showed to both patients and coworkers.
In her free time, Laura enjoyed cooking, baking and crafting, but most of all she treasured time spent with her children and grandchildren.
A private inurnment will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to a family member of their choice and mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, Illinois 61920, to assist the family with final expenses.
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