Laural Gay Koechner of Springfield, MO went home to Jesus Monday morning August 10, 2015 surrounded by her children. Born in Kansas City, MO she later moved to southwest Missouri where she graduated from Strafford High School. She went on to marry the love of her life Don Koechner and they had two sons Russ and Michael. She enjoyed raising her boys on their farm in Elkland, MO until the death of her husband. Her favorite job was assisting oral surgery patients at OMS Surgery Group. She spent many happy days playing golf with her boys and cooking them favorite meals. Gay is survived by sons Russ and Michael (Sharon), grandchildren Quincy (David) Running and Nick, sister Goldie and brother Jerry as well as nieces and nephews. Her sister–?in–?law Barbara Ann was very special to her. Gay also knew the joy of special friendships. She shared good times with her golf buddies Carol and Camille, and longtime family friend Glenda as well as Ann who faithfully cared for her. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Don and brother David. Visitation will be at Greenlawn South Thursday, August 13, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, and a Celebration of Life is planned for Friday, August 14th at 12:30 pm at Greenlawn South. Burial is immediately following at Springfield National Cemetery. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest.