Laura Ellen Hontz

At 77 years young, Lauri Hontz, from Riverdale, Maryland, passed away peacefully at home on February 27th after a prolonged illness.

 She is survived by her loving husband, James Hontz Jr, and her children Lou-Ellen Lallier (and husband, Chad), Ruben Hontz (and wife, Elizabeth) and James Hontz, III. Also, by her beloved grandchildren Everett and Liam Hontz and Sydney and Madison Lallier; her brother-in-law Tom Hontz (and wife Bonnie) as well as many very loved nieces and nephews and their families in Maryland and all over the country. Her neighbors of 67th Avenue were like extended family to her. She is also survived by her many indoor and feral cats that she adored – she is legendary in the local PG County feline community. She is pre-deceased by her parents George White and Geraldine Pflaum and her stepfather Bill Pflaum, as well as her siblings David White, Dennis White and Edella Pohl.

 Lauri was a woman who loved life without hesitation. She believed that ordinary days deserved a little sparkle and quirks were not flaws but signatures of authenticity to be embraced. She wore her uniqueness proudly and taught us to do the same. She had a gift for turning the mundane into memorable. She was also, quite possibly, the most thoughtful gift giver on Earth. Her presents were carefully chosen treasures- gifts were not just objects – they were affirmations wrapped in ribbon. 

Lauri was born in Melbita, Nebraska in 1948, and moved to Julesburg, Colorado when she was very young. She graduated from Julesburg High School in 1966 and attended University of Colorado in Boulder. She realized her path was elsewhere and moved to Maryland in 1967 where she met the love of her life, Jim Hontz. Their courtship was full of music, laughter and dancing - attending Saturday night dances at the Branchville Fire Hall every week. They began dancing with The Oxon Hill Cloggers and spent weekends performing around the mid-Atlantic area. Jim and Lauri were married in 1969 and their honeymoon included a trip to Nashville where the Oxon Hill Cloggers performed on the Grand Ole Opry at the original Ryman Auditorium! Their marriage was a partnership filled with laughter, spirited debates, deep affection and a love that only deepened with time. Together, they were active at the American Legion and with the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Jim and Lauri stood beside each other through every season of life – champions, confidants, co-conspirators and best friends.

 As a mother, Lauri made sure her children were given the time to be kids before the commitments of “growing up” crept in. She made sure every holiday, and every birthday was celebrated with vigor. She had 3 requirements: playing a team sport, playing an individual sport and playing a musical instrument through high school. Her Goulash and Tuna Noodle Casserole were always favorites and there was never a Sunday morning without donuts. When her youngest started elementary school, Lauri went to work as an accountant. 

In her spare time, she joined a bowling league, taught children’s Sunday school classes, took art classes at PG Community College, joined an acting and singing group performing at Prince George’s Publick Playhouse and even obtained her commercial drivers license.

 Becoming a grandmother was one of her lifetime joys. She was lovingly known as “Mugger” or “Mugs” by her grandchildren whom she loved dearly. For them, pancakes had to have every topping imaginable – peanut butter, chocolate, pretzels, syrup and whipped cream. Popcorn with melted marshmallow was a staple. Trips to the East Pines Pizza Oven as well as DC museums were fun adventures. Hot summer days were spent swimming, with endless Welch’s ice pops as treats. Getting messy from painting or cooking or playing outside was always a given. Her children and grandchildren grew up loved and entertained. 

Lauri taught us that life is meant to be lived boldly and silliness is sacred. Generosity should be given abundantly and should be joyful. She leaves behind a family who adored her, friends and neighbors who cherished her and a world that is undeniably quieter without her laughter echoing through it. Though we will miss her more than words can say, we carry her spirit with us – in every perfectly chosen gift, and in every burst of spontaneous fun. Her legendary stories will continue to be shared. 

A “Celebration of Life” ceremony will be held for family and friends at a later date to be determined. In lieu of flowers or donations, please perform an extra act of kindness in her honor, please raise a glass and make a toast, and do something unordinarily whimsical and frivolous that makes you smile and feel alive.