Laura Kern, 81, of Groves, Texas passed away Monday, June 18, 2018 surrounded by her family. Laura was born May 31, 1937 in Afton, Iowa to Leo Elton and Bertha Martin Elton. She was a longtime area resident and graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. Laura was a homemaker and member of Friendship Baptist Church in Groves. She loved fishing, gardening, and spoiling her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Howard Kern. Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Larry Kern of Groves; daughters, Karen Wilson and husband Ronnie of Buna, and Kathy Lester and husband Tim of Lumberton; brother, Jack Elton and wife Linda of Port Neches; grandchildren, Hillary Matthews, Heather Howell, Heidi Brown, Kalea Nelson, Krista Nelson, Kristopher Kern; and twelve great-grandchildren. A visitation for family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 21, 2018 at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Travis Cox officiating. Burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Nederland. A special thank you to Heart of Texas Hospice for their compassionate care.