Laura M. Woodward Rupeka

Youngstown- Laura M. Woodward Rupeka, 63, died Monday evening, September 30, 2019 at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.

Laura was born December 23, 1955 in Ilford Essex, England, a daughter of Albert St. John and Pamela (Pryce) Woodward. At the age of six, Laura and her family moved to Canada and then to the United States two years later.

She was a graduate of Campbell Memorial High School, attended Kent State University, and received her Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in English from Youngstown State University. Laura was a Professor of English and taught at colleges in California, North Carolina, and locally at Youngstown State University.

In her free time, she enjoyed writing poetry and stories, attending writing workshops, and reading.

Laura is survived by her mother, Pamela of Campbell; her daughter, Joey Miller of Boardman; three grandchildren, Grace, Guido, and Elliotte Miller; six sisters, Debbie Woodward of England, Joanne (Mike) Oakley of San Diego, Amanda Cadman of Campbell, Marianne (Tod) Cadman of Lowellville, Melissa Woodward of Kansas City, and Jennifer (Charlie) Randall of Campbell; three brothers, Jonathan (Cheryl) Woodward of Campbell, Lindsey (Antionette) Woodward of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Matthew Woodward of Campbell; 20 nieces and nephews; and 10 great nieces and great nephews.

In addition to her father, Laura was preceded in death by her faithful dachshunds, Little Bear and Arrow.

A memorial service to celebrate Laura's life will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, 11 Spring St., Struthers, with Pastor James Berkebile officiating.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.